Something to think about guys.
The imprinting has been messed up somehow if the dog is shying from being 'caught' or handled/put onto a leash. Once the dogs attention has been attained/regained there should be no issue with the dog wanting to return or comply with being put onto a lead.

If my dog isn't learning, I'm doing something wrong.
Randy

If he is not microchipped I can highly recommend "Home Again"
(www.homeagain.com) I have my dog chipped and if she ever gets lost I can log on the site immediatly post a lost pet notice, and everyone one else in my area that has home again for there own pet will get an email to keep eyes open for my dog. Even if there are not many people in your area 2 more people looking for a lost dog is better than 0 good luck

 Quote: randy allen

Something to think about guys.
The imprinting has been messed up somehow if the dog is shying from being 'caught' or handled/put onto a leash. Once the dogs attention has been attained/regained there should be no issue with the dog wanting to return or comply with being put onto a lead.

If my dog isn't learning, I'm doing something wrong.
Randy

OK. Let's just say that an owner is concerned about this issue. What does he or she do?

 Quote: kyle deserio

If he is not microchipped I can highly recommend "Home Again"
(www.homeagain.com) I have my dog chipped and if she ever gets lost I can log on the site immediatly post a lost pet notice, and everyone one else in my area that has home again for there own pet will get an email to keep eyes open for my dog. Even if there are not many people in your area 2 more people looking for a lost dog is better than 0 good luck

I agree. "Home Again" is a great chip. I actually had my Rottie chipped a 2nd time (after researching that there would be no problem doing this) so that she could have one.

My heart goes out to you, Olivia. This happened to me with JD when he was only a few months old. That was how I learned the hard way how sensitive a Mal is to corrections.

He still tests the waters from time to time, but I've learned to walk the other way if he even "LOOKS" like he's going to go the other way (and granted, you probably didn't have any idea what he was thinking about when he slipped his collar in the dark and rain). I busy myself with something else (like cleaning up poop) and before long he's bringing me his ball to throw or trying to figure out why I'm not playing his game.

I'm so glad you got him back. You're gonna want him around for you and your baby. I'd take the suggestion of the 2nd collar (dominant dog collar) for when you take him out.

And my thoughts and prayers are with you for your little one's surgery.

You want to talk about hand shyness Ross?
What? How to correct it or how to prevent it?

If the op'er thinks this is an issue we can carry that conversation along here.
If you have an issue with that kind of problem then can we start another thread please.

 Quote: randy allen

You want to talk about hand shyness Ross?
What? How to correct it or how to prevent it?

If the op'er thinks this is an issue we can carry that conversation along here.
If you have an issue with that kind of problem then can we start another thread please.

K, thread is being started.

The suggestion of a martingale is a good one.
The other option is a slip collar or check chain worn as a backup - leash clips to both collars and if the normal one is pulled off, the slip won't.

There is also a method of stopping this, when the dog stills and begins to move its head backwards, you relax the lead. The dog cannot pull its head out if the lead is loose.

 Quote: randy allen

Something to think about guys.
The imprinting has been messed up somehow if the dog is shying from being 'caught' or handled/put onto a leash. Once the dogs attention has been attained/regained there should be no issue with the dog wanting to return or comply with being put onto a lead.

I respectfully disagree. There are many factors that can play into a situation like this and we cannot make light of the fact that this is a puppy we are talking about. I would venture to say that Vader thought this was a great game...FREEDOM! is way better than being in his crate. Sort of like when my pup grabs a shoe and runs under the dining room table...he doesn't really want to chew on my shoes, but he knows it will get me up every time. I do completely agree with your statement about an 8 months old recall never being bombproof, so I guess we are even

Olivia, I am sure you are incredibly stressed out, but the fact of the matter is...well, stuff like this happens and puppies are generally good ole pain in the butts. I know, I live with one! It's all a learning process for them. If you really feel that you cannot do all that Vader needs, then yes, you do need to consider re-homing him.

You say he is whining in his crate...is he getting enough exercise? I mean REALLY ENOUGH, which is a lot for a young pup, especially a Mal.

A back up collar in the meantime is definitely necessary!

One trick I have used with Jethro was to dump a handful of treats on the ground. It was easy to catch him then. I never run after Jethro - he just loves to play chase. So when I run away from him, he comes tearing after me! I use two collars: the Starmark collar and the Dominant Dog collar - both clipped onto the leash - I never know when Jethro is going to catch sight or smell of a coyote and I don't want the collar to fail.

Vader has given you new information (thank goodness it was before your husband was gone!) (too bad it had to be in the middle of the night!). With Jethro I don't actually call him until he is already well on his way to me. I've had the unpleasant experience of having him bolt a couple of times and I don't want to use any of his recall words while he is going full steam away from me.

There are certainly instances where Jethro's brain is incapable of hearing a verbal command, especially at night when the skunks, raccoons and coyotes are out.

I don't think you need to rehome him, I think he is going to be a great comfort to you while your husband is gone. You will re-arrange his collar so he can't wiggle out of it and that should solve the main problem.

I do think you are going to need extra dog walking/exercising support while your husband is gone, and should start making arrangements for that. I can't handle Jethro's exercise needs single-handed. Jethro needs 3 - 45 min (at least) outings a day. And he sleeps very peacefully and quietly in his crate with that program. Anything less and he starts to drive us nuts with his extra energy.

Olivia, you are doing a great job with Vader! I hope your little one rests comfortably after the surgery and you can put your feet up for awhile.