Hi

My 12 month Boxer bitch won't come to me when I call her on walks at the park. I have two Boxers and the youngest seemed to follow the eldest when called, so she doesn't really understand her own commands. When i call her at the park she starts to look around to see if another dog is coming and if she sees another dog/person she bolts for them and jumps up. So its a real challenge taking her for a run. My oldest dog had more one on one attention so he comes back straight away, but the other dog just wants to run after any dog she sees and shows no loyalty to coming back. I used to try dog treats which worked for a few weeks, but she then caught on to the fact that I would put her lead on when other dogs were around, mainly because she jumps up people to lick them and she bolts. I thought i would be easier having two dogs, but i'm shattered!! Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks

You should take her out on her own without the other dog.  Use a long line, about 30 - 50ft attached to her collar.  Put a couple of knots in it so that it doesn't slip underfoot when you need to stand on it.  Use some really tasty treats and a favourite toy too if she has one, that only comes out on these occasions. Only call her to you if you are certain that she will come and reward her and send her away again.  Change direction frequently and if she doesn't have the other dog to follow she'll maybe follow you.  If she is going away from you towards something that attracts her DO NOT call her at this stage of her training just stand on the line.  When you need her back to put the lead on DO NOT call her just stand on the line, walk up it towards her, give her a treat and put the lead on.  If you only call her when you are sure that she will come (even if it is only once on the walk and the rest of the time you have to stand on the line and not call)  then you will have been 100% successful and success breeds success and things will improve.

HTH
Sally

Ah, yes, believe me two dogs means double the work, as i I think you hit the nail on the head really, your older dog had more one to one attention, so maybe it might be an idea doing a few separate walks so that you can focus completely on your younger dog. I would start by using a long line/lung lead or even an extendable lead if it is easier. Now you have control, but the dog still has freedom, that almost mimics being offlead. To start will try calling when there is no distractions. Now you need to make yourself really interesting, either by occaisionally calling and playing with a toy or by using really tasty treats. Call your dog and move backwards, if she starts to come towards you really praise her and make a big fuss, if she doesn't gently give a tug on the lead to encourage her, but don't reel her in. It is really important that you make a lot of fuss so that she realises coming back is good. Once she is coming back reliably without distractions you can do the same when there is a dog around, lots of fuss and treats!!
Once that is fairly reliable try offlead. Something i always found useful was to call the dog and then immediately run off in the other direction, don't wait for the dog, just start running, (try this when it is safe and there is no distractions to start with.) She will probably think you are playing (or think she is being left) and dash after you, and when she reaches you, lots treats and fuss or play. This introduces a sense of urgency and after a few attempts she will dash after you as soon as you call as she will expect you to run away.
When you come across another dog/ person, you then have to bring out really tasty treats and make yourself more interesting than the other dog. After a while she may think that staying with you means lots of treats or a game and choose to stay close to you. It is really important that you call her back just to make a fuss and let her go again, so that she doesn't associate being called with the lead going back on, make it varied. Also, although it probably goes without saying, never scold her for not coming back when she eventually returns to you, she will only think she is being told off for coming back, always praise even if it is through gritted teeth!!
Good luck, having been through this twice i know exactly how frustrating it is!! :-)

Ah ha sally, looks like we both were typing at the same time!

Thanks both of you for such great advice, it must work as you both have tried similar exercises! I'll get straight onto it and give it a go and i'll let you know how i get on. Thanks again!! Tina

hi

i have an 11 month old boxer who does exactly the same thing and my neighbours boxer is also the same the jumping up and bolting is a major problem and most deffernantly a boxer traite, boxers are in a league of their own when its comes to excuberence and boisterous behaviour and can take years to calm down if at all, after saying all of that i do know some people will say their boxers are very laid back but on the whole you will find most are over the top when it comes to greeting people whether its out on walks or indoors, my legs are constantly covered in bruises but apart from that they are a fantastic breed one of the most loyal and loving i have come across and extremely intelligent, although at times act completely stupid and are very comical.
j

Stick to it and it'll be OK my Boxer was the champion wall of deather and he eventually won prizes for obedience. Didn't happen overnight but with patience and hardwork it did come