Running off

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herbert

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Have inadvertently acquired a rescue dog, (possibly Staffie cross) who has had a variety of homes in his past. Now he understands the basic commands he appears to be an excellent dog however he has one fault that I can't cure, when he feels like it he runs off. As we live near lots of sheep I do not want him to get the blame for something he hasn't done or to get shot. Have tried taking him out on a long rope and he is perfect, never offers to go but when the rope is off he knows and he runs. Any ideas on how to stop him doing this?
 
Training, training, training... or simply keep him on the rope.

Do you know where he runs off too?

Does he always go to the same place?

Is there a trigger? Is he chasing something?
 
It's tough one because training won't necessarily cure him if running away is so much more fun than doing as he's told. How long have you had him? It could just be time that's needed, lots of praising and treats when you do recall training and make staying with you far more fun than running away with lots of ball games and fluffy toys to chase.
 
How do you try and get his attention?

The little JR on the farm will only respond to a very high pitch call - and if you here some mad woman going 'we, we, we' in a high pitched voice, you know it's me calling the little monster back.

Aparently another good way to get them to come back to you is to play dead! Honest.
 
Have had him for about 2 years now. He runs in any direction especially if there are deer or other dogs around. He does not respond to treats as he does ot care if he is fed or not and totally refuses to eat anything when he is out. He plays happily on the yard with a ball but when on the run he just puts his nose down and goes. I suspect he had such a bad start in life that he finds it easier to ignore people and get on with his own thing however he can be so obedient and loving when in a confinded space.
 
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Have had him for about 2 years now. He runs in any direction especially if there are deer or other dogs around. He does not respond to treats as he does ot care if he is fed or not and totally refuses to eat anything when he is out. He plays happily on the yard with a ball but when on the run he just puts his nose down and goes. I suspect he had such a bad start in life that he finds it easier to ignore people and get on with his own thing however he can be so obedient and loving when in a confinded space.

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I do sympathise! I had terrible problems with my last 2 dogs and if he's had a really bad start it might be impossible to cure but maybe a behaviourist could give you some tips? Perhaps you will have to resort to keeping him on the long line. Having had a traumatic experience with an extending lead I wouldn't use one again but you can get a 30 or 50 foot training lead.
 
I would go back to basic training, putting him in a long line and re-calling him, when he comes back (maybe with a reminder) give him a treat. I would stick to this until each time you call him back on the long line and he is constantly rewarded you can then move on to do re-calls in a large enclosed area. If you have a large garden to train in this would be helpful, so you dont loose him.

Time, patience and training should help, with most dogs greed overcomes all and constantly rewarding him with treats will give him an insentive to come back to you.

All dogs can sling a "deaf one" at will and if with this dog there is lots going on to gain his interest you need to become the focus of his attention, food.
 
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