Hello everyone. My little mate Buddy has on 3 recent occasions nearly given me a coronary. I've had loads of problems with his recall ever since he was small. 8/10 times he's fab - but - when he chooses to ignore me he does it big time. A couple of days ago he took off across the park (very large park) towards a couple of other dogs in the far of distance which we're heading towards the car park. I used the usual command to no avail. The little so and so never gave me so much as a 2nd glance as he took off like a greyhound. I really do not know what to try next.
I hoped as he got older his recall would improve (he's a 15mth Westie Male).
I know Terriers are known for the independent spirit but i'm scared one day he'll get hurt.

Are there any dog friendly electronic type but (definately non- painfull) collars on the market. I'm not sure if i read on this forum of a collar that gives the dog a 'buzz' or 'vibrates' via a remote control that breaks the dogs attention when their about to 'take off'. If anyone knows of such a device please reply.
I realise this is a controversial subject and many of you will have strong opinions but i definately DO NOT WANT TO PURCHASE ANYTHING THAT WILL CAUSE MY LITTLE MATE PAIN.
I look forward to your replies.
Budmag.

Hi,
If you Search the forum under pager and then read Dog running off threads you will get info about these collars.
Anne

I have found my hooligans' recall markedly improved when I started doing a little basic obedience when we were out on walks. Rather than just walk to the fields for their run, we started stopping on the way at random places and doing a 'sit'. When they are loose in the field I call them every so often and reward with really tasty treats - frankfurter sausage etc - and we do sits and downs. Then they are sent off to explore the rabbit holes and do 'dog stuff' again. I do a lot of changes of route in the fields and call out "This way!!" which gets them galloping to catch up with me (usually!). On our walk back we stop and sit a couple of times again. They certainly seem to be taking a lot more notice of me. They're still not perfect, but there has been a noticeable improvement all of a sudden. Coincidence? Possibly.
:)

Well - I today have started this in the hope of improving my lads recall -
I have him on a looooooooong flexi on the field and we play with his squeaky toy so then I throw it and then shout 'leave it' - the second he falters I call him in to me - loads of praise and rewards - it only took a couple of go's and he was turning back to me as I shouted leave it - I realise this is early days but I'm hoping that by upping the distractions I can build on this to get a more reliable recall
hth
Liz :)