Hi folks.

My 9 month old Sheltie dog makes a bee line for dogs whenever he sees them. On ever other occassion he will come back when recalled. But when there is another dog about he just doesn't listen. I have tried everything from praising him loads when he does come (something I do anyway) to treats and excitement.
Is it a case of him still being young and finding other dogs far more interesting tham me? or is it something else? I was hoping that in time if I am consistent, he will start coming back to me.

Any thoughts, tips hints would be really appreciated!!

Cheers

David

Have you tried putting him on a long line/trcking lead so that if he runs off you have the control of being able to pull him back. When you call him back still do all the things you are already doing (calling him in an exciting voice, rewarding him). Do this consistently and he should get the message. Other more experienced people here will probably be able to give you more tips.

Remember tooo not to keep calling him "Come, here boy, come," etc as he will just be learning that it is OK ot ignore you!

If possible set him up for success, for example try calling him when you can see he has almost got bored with the other dogs and is about to come anyway. Also make your walks unpredictable, hide from him sometimes (not too long so he runs off though!) and once you have called him, run in the opposite dirrection and just keep going.

Try the attention game too: say his name, wait til he looks at you (however long that takes) then give a treat or if you like a game/toy.

Do this at home at first, on a lead, then gradually generalise it to out and about.

Gradually he should start paying you more attention when you say his name, and can then givehim a command. If you can get him to look at you when out and really listen, that is a good start.

Remember too that he will come back more readliy if he is a bit hungry and you can giv ehim a great piece of sausage. After lots of repetitons it will become second nature to him to come back. Then you can phase down this reward and only give it as a specail treat when he has come back like a bullet.<g>.

My dogs recall on either the word come, or more often the phrase 'whats this then' which is a phrase I use when offering a treat or showing them something exciting!

Go right back to the beginning and teach your lad what "come" means - ie come to me the minute I say it, whenever and wherever I say it.

Start of with him on a lead, wander around and as soon as he shows interest in something else say his "name, Come" with a twitch on the lead at the same time and reel him in - you praise him when he is coming and and give treat when he arrives - instantly.

Do this frequently over a few days.

Next run backwards away from him for a few steps as you are doing it but otherwise as before so he has to go further to reach you.

By now his head should shoot up and he should be moving towards you the moment you say his name because coming to you is pleasant - he gets food and praise. If he is a toy orientated dog play with him as well for a few seconds.

Next shut yourselves in one room of your house and put a lead on him and let him wander around, be close enough to grab the lead if he does not start to come the instant you call him and call him many times.

Next use two or three rooms

Then try the garden as well - he must be almost brainwashed so that when he hears his name followed by come he comes.

Then put him on a long line and try it while you are out. Do not let him run free until he will come every time. This does work but takes a lot of effort on the part of the owner!

Let me know how you get on :-)

Christine