Maggie has long had housebreaking issues with holding it inside, but has always gone promptly when told outside, until very recently. The squirrels have become very active this season, and they fascinate her too much to focus on the task.
I started releasing her to go dash off to the back of the yard after pottying. She runs towards some squirrel, but they always get into the tree. I slowly walk up while she's treeing the squirrel, pick up the leash, and wander around the trees with her for a bit before making her come in.
Now she is able to obey "potty" while staring at a squirrel, but I worry a bit about the wisdom of encouraging her to chase squirrels. There is also the issue that the yard is only partially fenced, and I usually potty her on a 6' lead.
Any better ideas for getting her to ignore squirrels when pottying?
First, I think you should get a long line to use with this pup. Without a securely fenced yard, it's only a matter of time until some squirrel runs between the fenced areas (or some other wildlife...bunnies don't climb trees, for example<g>.
Teach a solid "leave it" command with really wonderful treats.
When you do let your dog chase squirrels, make sure you're the one allowing that to happen by putting it on command..."go get 'em" or something. Otherwise, it's your dog's decision.
I sure wouldn't allow chasing to become automatic after pottying...if you're not in charge of when this happens, you're asking for touble when you train other things.
You need to become more fun than the squirrels and reward her with your fun after she does her business<g>. Be silly, use great treats, her favorite toy or game, whatever.
I do use a long line in the park next door, we don't have much playtime in our tiny yard. This recent squirrel thing is the only time she's been off-lead in the yard, besides a couple sit-stays when I was short a hand for something.
Her leave it is great in bikejor, but is not as effective when she's not moving.
I'm giving her her release word to allow squirrel chasing. She's not allowed to take off just because she pottied. There's one side of the yard I'd rather have her run on than the other, so only if she's fixated on a squirrel in that location do I release her.
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Chasing Squirels as reward?
#215117 - 11/06/2008 08:11 PM 
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