Darting off to visit the neighbors

[Luv4Guinness]

Guinness is 4-1/2 months old and is doing remarkably well in the training area with the exception of darting off to visit the neighbors dog who is a couple weeks younger than Guinness. We currently go to puppy school which has been amazing. However, we can't seem to get a handle on this. Guinness's potty area is on the side of the house next to the neighbors house (it's the only place we can have it). So, when we take Guinness outside and the other dog is out Guinness is . . . .gone!!!!!!!!

So far this is the only place he has darted to, he loves playing with other dogs. However, this really scares me as I obviously don't want him running into the street.

What is the best way to train him to ignore these distractions?

Any advice would be great . . . I am at my wit's end!

Thanks!

 

[VTbxrFan]

Do a search for "recall" to get some training tips. Until his recall is 100% reliable, you simply cannot take him out without a leash. Every single time that he does run off is reinforcing to him that he can run off whenever he wants to. That will make training that much harder. And more importantly, there is the safety issue of course - I know you don't want him to run into the street. So stick with the leash for now and start working on recall in non-distracting environments where he can't run off. Read up on the training tips and start working on it. Be patient, though - 4 1/2 months is really young to expect a reliable recall in a distracting environment (as a puppy playmate definitely is!)

 

[Adelle]

Definetly work on his recall but even with a perfect recall I would not let him outside without a leash, fence or cable run. No matter how well a dog is trained you can never be 100% sure he won't run out on the street if he sees something really interesting.

 

[BoboTheBoxer]

What is the best way to train him to ignore these distractions?

The best advice is to train the owner's of the dog first. And I do say this with all respect:
Never ever take or let your dog outside into an unsecure/unfenced area without a leash on him/her. Period.
Would you let a two year old baby crawl outside the front door?
Didn't think so.

I would highly reccomend on fencing your back yard first....this will be alot cheaper than preventable medical bills or a pup that never comes back. Once you have your secure area you'll have peace of mind knowing your pup is safe. Please make a good decision on this one. I don't want to read another horror story of "the dog that bolted into the street". Be safe.