Endless game of Catch-Me-If-You-Can!

[volcomgal]

I have a 11 month old flashy brindle female boxer. Right now and for the past 10 months I have been in the process of training her to be a well behaved dog. All is going well except one thing. She will not come to me when I call her.....ever. My boyfriend and I have both been late to work on several occassion because she won't come back into the house from our fenced in yard after going potty. She gets this look in her eye and like she knows it's time for the crate and starts with the laps around the yard. I made the mistake of trying to catch her a few times and now it's like this neverending game of catch me if you can. She always wins. Any training tips for me?? I am really open to suggestion.

 

[courtney323]

volcomgal -

Please post your Introduction, as required.

www.boxerworld.com/rules

 

[apollosdad]

volcomgal-
it's apparent that you need to go over the recall or "come" command with her until she masters it. always affiliate the "come" command with positive things, such as treats, affection, petting, etc. never use the word "come" when you are about to do something your dog does not like, such as going inside to her crate, giving medicine, etc. to call her inside from being let out to potty, be sure to use another command word such as, "let's go".
practice the recall command indoors at firsts so there are minimal distractions and be sure to reward your dog when it comes. you can alternate with your boyfriend and each have a handful of treats and take turns calling her to the each of you and rewarding accordingly after each time she recalls correctly. stay consistent and be patient. it will take your dog some time to master this. don't expect any overnight miracles. next move the training outdoors when you think she is ready. keep in mind to be patient, since there are plenty of distractions outdoors and it usually takes your dog some time to adjust from indoor training to outdoor training. seek the help of a dog trainer if you have problems, or enroll your dog in obedience classes if you haven't already.

 

[OscarzPeople]

How do you teach "let's go" instead of "come here" having one command being associated with positive things and the other with things that the pup doesn't exactly care for and get them to obey both? (I'm starting to have the same problem with our pup not wanting to come back inside after going potty too.)

 

[apollosdad]

the concept is to always associate positive experiences with the "come" command. once your dog figures out that when he is let out to potty and does his thing, "come" means "come inside", he will hesitate to come. the key is to either use another word for the same command, or give him a treat when using the "come" command in order to continue to motivate him. once they master the command they should come regardless ofthe situation. again proper training is key.

 

[gmacleod]

Well, I'd recommend that you don't let your pup off leash when you take her out to potty. The problem here is that every time she doesn't come when she's called, it reinforces to her that she doesn't have to. She understands that it is optional - something she chooses if and when to obey. So take her on a long-line instead (retractable leash will do) and when she ignores you, you can enforce the command.

In the meantime, you can be working on teaching her an effective recall. But you've stopped teaching her she doesn't have to listen.

If you ever do end up with her loose and trying to make you chase her, do NOT play. She'll never end the game if you play it. Instead, just turn around and walk away. Go inside and see if she follows. Another alternative is to turn round and run away from your dog. She wants to play chase, so there's a very good chance that she'll chase you. And when she catches you, you've caught her

Here's a short article on recall that you might find helpful: http://www.boxerworld.com/puppy/comingtoyou/
There is also a wealth of information in the forums, if you care to do a search on "recall".

 

[volcomgal]

Thanks to all who have replied. All of the information given is extremely helpful. I will definitly be trying out the different techniques suggested. Thanks Again!!