"Chase me" game is getting old

[jmz1978]

So my Charlie has discovered a new game that apparently is the best thing ever. Whenever we are outside in the yard without a leash, it's near impossible to get her to come. She thinks we're playing some sort of "chase me" game, where when I call her she comes close, and when I go to grab her to put her leash on she runs away. The whole situation then repeats. I praise her extensively whenever she comes and sits when I call, but lately that's not ever happening. I have no idea how to train her to come and sit when we are outside.I don't want to scold her when I finally do catch her, but I don't want her to think I'm praising the whole game she's playing. She comes perfectly when we're inside. Any suggestions?

 

[Net45582]

LOL-another Boxer trait. I train using a 26 foot long lead or horse lunge line....and lots of praises and treats when they do respond to my recall. It takes LOTS of time and patience.

 

[sgbtab]

try running away in the other direction. she will want to follow you. I know how annoying it can be when you are trying to get them in and they want to play. you also might want to play for a while to tire her out. how much exercise does charlie get? a tired dog is a happy dog.

 

[Jill's boxer]

I agree with Sidhewlf--start taking her out on a long line--at least 20 feet in length. That way you have control but she has room to roam a bit, you could even let it drag along...but when you want her to come. pick it up, give the command and if she doesn't respond, gently give a tug and repeat ONCE, then reel her in but be sure to start praising like crazy as she advances towards you. With recall training, you need to start praising the second they begin to move torwards you and continue until they reach you. Also--use the happiest voice you can! so many times I see folks trying to recall and they use a stern voice, thinking the dog will know they mean business--all that does is make your dog think that they may have done something wrong or you are mad--of course they won't want to come. make her think its wonderful and exciting and fun! Wheee! Do not let her off lead until she is doing well recalling, then you can work on it off-lead.

As hard as it is, do not chase her--simply turn and run the other way while calling her or just turn your back and ignore her. Gracie did this occasionally (and still does once in a while when she is feeling particularly sassy!) and I have found that turning and ignoring her works well--she wants the attention and "the game"--if I ignore her and turn my back, she will come to me to try for my attention--I continue to turn away until she has settled down and comes right to me, then I praise and reward! When she does get to you---you cannot discipline or yell--hard not to when you are frustrated from a game of "keep away"--but recall must always be positive--if they fear a neagative response, they will not come!

good luck!

 

[KonaKoffe]

I have read to never chase them. The idea is to have them chase you.

 

[BXRBESTFRIND]

another thing is he mite be associating the recall to going inside and an end to the outside fun try practicing recall throughout the "outside time"

I would, like the others suggested, starting with a long lead to cut down on the chase game.

Arnie does the same thing so your not alone but normally he runs himself into a corner, which ends his game real quick.(not the smartest dog in the world)

My uncles hunting dog was horrible at recall (not much of a bird dog if he doesnt come back) untill he taught him to fetch, now all he wants to do is fetch.

hope tht helps good luck

 

[Jill's boxer]

another thing is he mite be associating the recall to going inside and an end to the outside fun try practicing recall throughout the "outside time"

That is a very good point! Practise recalling and then reward/releasing Charlie a few times rather than just calling him when you want to go inside and end the playtime. This is especially good to practise if you go to the dog park--all too often dogs figure out that if you recall them at the park, that means they have to leave--so many times you'll see the "catch me" game start up...I periodically recall Gracie just for the heck of it and praise/reward her when we are at the park so she doesn't always associate recall = no more fun...and she never quite knows which time the recall will mean "no more" either!

 

[jmz1978]

I think the log lead idea is probably a good one. I try to recall her once in awhile for no reason, but probably not often enough. I try to keep in mind that there are people that have dogs they can't even take off the leash ever because they would never come back. At least she isn't that bad. Thanks for the advice everyone!

 

[PreciousMom]

Precious loves this game and tries it everytime she's out. I've tried to make sure my son doesn't take her out without her leash, but he's 7 and that doesn't always happen. The last time she dashed out of the house without her leash, I was cutting the yard before the rain started and didn't stop to recall her. She was gone for nearly 4 hours. We found her at a neighbors house 2 streets down. They were feeding her.

He's since learned the responsibility of not allowing her outside off her leash.

 

[bosleyboxer]

Bosley loves this game too. Whnever we are trying to get him to go in the car, he runs away and I have to chase him. I just catch up with him and he runs in the other direction!! My sister and I were chasing him around a tree last week and he was outdoing us both - we felt a bit foolish when we looked up to see my mum and my friend laughing at us hysterically from the window!! It can be so frustrating especially since Im not feeling too good at the moment. I have tried leaving him and going in the other direction - the problem there is that he then uses the freedom to go and eat horse poo!! I think that he will be on the lead from now on until we get him in the car.

We start training classes next week with him so hopefully he learns fast!!

Denise