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Comment by John Wolff on April 4, 2012 at 11:08pm

Al did this about that age.  He discovered, to his glee, that I could not, in fact, catch him, and he did not, in fact, have to come.

Search on "really reliable recall" or "emergency recall" discussed here somewhere. 

Comment by Jeff Futrelle on April 4, 2012 at 8:05pm

Thanks for the advice. Franklin your advice is good. we are already working on him. He has gone outside with the leash already. I started by giving him a treat with the leash in my lap and then in my left hand. It took time but he is already seeing it in a different light. my wife got him on the leash with out a treat nad no hassel going outside and coming back in. I will start with the long leash tomorrow. vacation is a great time to spend with your buddy. He really is ancious to learn. I don't think this will take long. thanks to all of you for your help. what a great website and corgi family.

Stay tumed for the next Corgi experiment.

Comment by Emily & Scout on April 4, 2012 at 7:16pm

I agree with Melissa.  When you're walking, call him over to you for no other reason than attention.  Then let him go.  Do this frequently so he knows coming to you won't necessarily mean he gets a leash put on.

Another possibility, one that my uncle used on his dog, was to call her quite a way before it was time to get in the car.  She knew when they were close and just didnt want to go home yet.  Catching her early didn't give her enough time to really figure out they were headed for the car.

Comment by Bev Levy on April 4, 2012 at 7:06pm

Think about it from his stand point...he is having a great time running around smelling cool stuff and enjoying himself and you want to put a leash on him and spoil the fun. He is quickly learning to associate the leash with an end to fun. Try to start your walk leashed and leash well before the walk is over with treats for coming. A well practiced recall is important but it is hard to over ride that desire for freedom. Occasionally call him to you just to treat, not always to put the leash on. Practice with a long line often. If he doesn't come and you are desparate the best bet is to fall to the ground making silly noises...very hard to resist!

Comment by Melissa and Franklin! on April 4, 2012 at 6:06pm

I personally wouldn't let him off leash until he is more reliable. What I do with my dogs when I am training off leash stuff is use a long line, about 20'. Once they have a reliable come with a long line, I will let them off leash in enclosed areas where they can't run away. Then I have them drag a normal leash. If he is reliable off leash until you go to attach the leash, I would frequently call him over while on teh walk, give him a treat and attach the leash then let him drag it for a bit, call him back over give him a treat and unattach, etc. When you are getting close to the end of the walk attach the leash and let him drag it and pick it up when you are at the car. Sound to me like you ONLY leash him up when its time to go so you have essentially taught him leashes are bad and mean no fun. You have to re-train him to learn that leashes don't always mean its time to go. Also, when/if he does run NEVER chase, walk/run in the opposite direction calling his name. Nine times out of 10 he will chase you and you can grab him that way. The chase has probably become a fun game as well.