briantimber replied on 16/10/2016 22:24
Posted on 16/10/2016 22:24
Welll, I have to say that I think that I've done Alfie a dis-service.
He is now nine months old and up untill two weeks ago he was really doing very well..........However, he has now started really ignoring me when off lead in the fields....It takes me an age to brng him back, running away from him works to an extent, but as soon as he runs back to me and I stop, he runs off again.....I have not lost my temper with him nor have I chastised him when I finally have him back and under control. At home and in the garden, he is as obedient and attentive as anyone could wish for. When walking on lead he is the same, stopping and sitting at kerbsides and road junctions when I stop walking, without me having to tell him. He also understands my command of "Wait", which I use when he is on a long lead, he stops and sits while I catch up with him.......I have used more praise than rewards lately, thinking that this would ensure that he returned every time hoping for a treat, giving him treats every second or third time he responded. I have not used our emergency recall out of fear that this may also be ignored, It has worked in the past to keep him safe........
At first I wondered if his behaviour was maybe down to his crown jewel removal four weeks ago, he wasn't allowed off lead for ten days 'till his stitches were removed...... I've thrown that idea out and put his new poor behaviour down to me.........I thiink that I've made the mistake of thinking that Alfie was trained more than he was, after all, he is still a pup really and as such, still needs positive encouragement constantly. With this in mind, I am now startting from scratch again with him, giving him plenty of praise as well as rewards every time he does as I ask. I will not let him off lead untill I'm absolutely certain he will come back every time, as he used to. It's too dangerouse to do otherwise in my opinion, he may well run off into a road, even taking other dogs with him, perish the thought. I have ordered a thirty metre training lead and will use this on our walks over fields and along bridle paths. Am I doing the right thing ? Any opinions would be read with interest and thanks.....
briantimber
Motorhomer