Getting our jack Russel puppy to return on walks

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millie99

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Dobby our jack Russel puppy is 10 months old and a lot of the time now won’t come back on walk. When we first got he came back all the time. If he sees a dog or person or bike or anyone he just bolts for them. Also he won’t come back if he finds anything on the floor including dog poo which he eats.

Does anyone have any idea on how to get him to come back. Also not to eat dog poo all the time.

Thanks
 
In very simple terms, the thrill of buggering off is worth more to him than returning to you.

Either you or what you have to offer him are not that important to him in the face of distraction, or you have mis-timed a correction and told him off when he has returned and he doesn't feel safe to return.
Dogs only do what they feel is in their best interest.

The first time he did it, he rewarded himself and if he has done it again and again, you will be fighting the thrill of all those times he has self rewarded.

As you are probably aware, chasing bikes and other dogs could be dangerous for him and others.
You need to find out what motivates him, if he is prey orientated you could build his drive for a toy or ball and keep it on you and engage him before he looks as if he is going to make a break for it, if he is food orientated I would make him work for every morsel, including out on walks. No attention, no food. You have to make yourself of more value to him.
The other option is consequence. But that takes impeccable timing (you need to correct him while he is still thinking about it) and vigilance. If you can't read when he is about to bolt, then don't get after him when he comes back. It's too late then.

Either way keep him on a long line or flexi until you have it sorted. Every time he is allowed to do his own thing, you'll be back to square one.
 
Hi I can't help with the dog poo problem but Stanley my BT who is now getting on for 8 months started to lose his recall when his hormones kicked in around 5/6 months. I used a long line and had him neutered before Christmas, both have helped considerably. although he's not that food orientated I have found some dog treats that he likes and try to walk him when he's hungry. I take him to places where I know we'll meet other dogs, as that is his trigger for taking off. On the long line I'd let him go but call him back and step on the line if he kept going. It did pull him up pretty sharpish but I use a harness rather than a collar. I'd then let him decide to come back and when he did he got lots of fuss and a treat. It has worked with him and he's now pretty reliable. he's not a 100% but I know on those occasions when I do lose him,if he's said hello to a new friend he'll come back to me if I call him. I never tell him off for not coming back, he just gets loads of praise when he does. I don't let him off the lead anywhere where there are bikes and he's OK with people now, it's just the temptation of a dog in the distance that sometimes makes him disobedient. good luck and stick with it, terriers can have good recall!
 
chopped chicken or ham do some basic sit stay and recall on a long lead try in a quiet area where he can't be distracted, once he has got the hang of it you start doing it on a walk and treat every time he comes back, I also taught my dog that biscuit means treat so if she is really ignoring me if I shout biscuit very exitedly she can't resist coming back.
 
I took my JRT to a 1-1 training class as she turned quite aggressive a couple of years ago. It was brilliant and i highly recommend, i sent her a list of everything that was bothering me and we went through it all and a lot of exercises.

My Jack Russell used to bolt too, 99% of the time she has excellent recall but now and again she bu**ers off. My dogs are both lean by choice meaning they will do anything for food, especially high value treats such as tiny pieces of chopped chicken and cheese. They also have to work for all their food, so they have their kibble in a kong at home, it's not just given in a bowl for them to scoff.
I did a lot of work on the lead and whenever my terrier made eye contact with me without me trying to get her attention she was rewarded with a HV treat and lots of verbal praise. I then started walking her on a flex lead and sticking to 1 recall word - a very high pitched 'here' and each time she acknowledged me and came back she was heavily praised. I started to let her off in open areas but where i could see if there would be a person/dog in enough time to get her. Practiced the 'here' recall again, i use a lot of exciting arm actions to get her attention when she is far away and she comes flying over. Again lots of praise.
Terriers are so clever and it just works out what makes your boy tick. My dog is usually very toy orientated but I find food works a lot better on walks. She has just turned 5 and only in the last year I confidently let her off and know more often than not I can get her back before she is distracted.
 
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