off leash training

[M&Mdoghouse]

I must have gotten spoiled. Let me start by saying I grew up training animals. Having a dad that was a rodeo clown & a mom that ran barrels, I guess you could say I know the basics. So let me get to it.

I've had many dogs, but I recently got an aus. sheppard. He is a full male & was a 6 month old, out-door only, kennel dog. I've had him about 4 months & he is doing really well, but I still have a LOT of work to do on him.

My problem is that I'm not sure how to go about off leash training him. He does great on a leash, great in the house, but as soon as we are outside and off leash he has no regard for me what-so-ever. I would like to be able to take him to the dog park when it warms up (city dweller now. bleck) but I can't do that till I am sure he will be obedient off leash.

He knows basic commands & stays right at heal on a loose leash. Am I expecting too much too soon? The problem is that I don't even see reaction that is rewardable. He completely ignores when he is off. I also have to work a lot with him on just general socialization. He needs to get out in the world.

Any advise is great. I had a blue heeler as soon as I moved out for college & she was AMAZING. I think I thought an aussie would be that easy too.

 

[Saje]

What does he do? And what are you expecting? Does he have an emergency recall? http://www.chazhound.com/forums/t36494/

 

[Maxy24]

Where outside are you practicing? Is it a quite place, like your yard (as long as it's not a farm or something) or is it a public or highly distracting place? Basically when you go outside I would let the dog explore and sniff everything and once he gets bored with the area start training. Pretend you are reteaching the commands for a little while, dogs sometimes do not understand that "sit" in the kitchen is the same thing as "sit" in the living room or 'sit" in the yard. once that is reinforced a little the dog should start to realize what to do, he already understand HOW to do all of the commands, he just needs to learn the "new" cue for it (the environment being part of the cue).

Also remember that he is still a puppy, not even a year yet, he is not mature. Try not to ask commands outside for now, if you keep saying commands that are ignored he will be learning that those words mean nothing and you risk having to reteach all his commands with new words because he'll fell listening to them is optional, you say them all the time and nothing happens or better yet, when I ignore him I get to continue playing!

So unless he's in a fenced in yard or other non-public location, keep him on leash so you will not have to be calling him away from any emergencies until he is reliable outside off leash in these safe areas.

 

[AgilityKrazii]

He is still young and you cant expect a perfect come in the distracting outdoor inviorment, to strenghten his come work him on leash close to you just say come and then treat, that way he learns that come=yummy steak or another food he cant resisit. Work on this inside where he cant be distracted then more to more distracting places like outside.
Also you really should never call your dog unless you are about 100% sure he will come other wise he should be kept on leash or in a safe fenced area untill that skill has been perfected because the more you call him and he doesnt come the more he thinks come=ignore.

 

[M&Mdoghouse]

Thanks so much for all the advise! I'm glad to hear that it may still be an age thing! I have never heard of the emergency word - but will start working it TODAY! - That's GREAT!!! Bottom line, we'll just keep practicing. I've been frustrated because it has been so cold, we haven't gotten to be outside working much yet on a regular basis, but I'm excited to keep going. If there's still hope - I'm definatelly willing to put in the time! Maybe by the end of the summer we can try the dog park. THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE!!!

 

[bambee]

Yes your dog is still young. I hope this will be of help to you. TodaysMilitary.com - FamilyEducation.com