This is my first time on a discussion board so bear with me. 2 year old, neutered GSD male. After reviewing the leerburg web site, realized we have done about 90% of things incorrectly.

Now have dominant 110lb GSD. Trying to follow advice found on site. Biggest problem is that dog will not come or just stay out of reach. Have fenced in back yard. Any advice?

Thanks

Hi and welcome to the board!

My advice would be to put him on a long line, pick a command to come, that you have not used prior, for instance, if you usually say 'come', now say 'here' (or a word of your choosing). After giving the command, reel him in, if he does not come on his own, praise, praise, praise, and give him a treat. Do not say 'here' unless you can make him come, so, until he obeys everytime, do not let him off the long line. Coming to you should be a happy time, so never scold when he does come to you, for something he has done prior. He will relate the scolding to the coming rather than what he had been doing. All the best!

Janet,

Thanks for the advice. We'll try it.

Regards,
Jerry

Jerry,
The advice given is great!!
As far as food reward, I would use a high, high value treat like cut up sirloin (raw) or something along that line. The reward for coming to you needs to be BIG and the dog really needs to WANT it.

If he is more toy driven than food driven, I would use the toys to work on this issue and use the one he WANTS the most, only for working on the recall and he does not get to play with it any other time.

I really agree with changing the command as well. This way the dog does not associate with the old one.

The trick is....if your neighbors call the police because they think you have gone daft jumping around and being the funnest thing in the world to your dog.....you are doing GREAT!!!

Good luck and keep us posted....

Mr. Goff,

In addition to the other advice I might add that a prong collar might be a good investment.

Put a lead on the dog when it is in the house. Call it, use the lead to get its attention. You can step on the lead easier than trying to grab the dog's collar.

Remember, when you call the dog five times and it ignores you but comes on your sixth call, praise the dog - it wasn't listening to the first five but it did come on the sixth try.

When I use a long line I don't usually reel a dog in but rather pop the line to focus the dog on me, and repeat the command. I use it to get the dog's attention, and I use a prong or good dog collar.

Treats should be used sparingly. Little tastes. Or a toy reward. Better yet, mix up your rewards including just praise.

Walk the dog and talk to it. Work to get the dog to focus on you. All commands reinforce all other commands. Come is reinforced by the dog's responding to all other commands. Work with the dog in the house. Randomly call it to come to you. Then have it sit, or down, or whatever. Lots of two or three minute training sessions will yield results.

Don't lavish affection if it is dominant. Pick your times to be 'affectionate' and aside from positive reinforcement for a followed command, don't get carried away. Be a bit aloof until the dog has moderated dominance issues. Don't tolerate bad behavior but don't act out of revenge.

Two years of age. A teenager.

Be in charge all the time.

I think I'm catching a cold so the prior comments may be of questionable value.

Alot of good points Mike concerning the dominance aspect, which I overlooked, and other excellent advice, great post!

I agree with what has been posted. I will add, IMO, the following exercise makes training COME fun and exciting for the dog. (and for you! It's something you can do intermittantly for an intense session.

Have someone hold your dog on leash. You scruff him up, get him amped, then run as fast as you can the other direction. When you get 25 feet away or so (work up later) say dog's name and COME (or heir--or whatever you change it to) and have the person let the dog "rev" for about 2 seconds, then have the person release. The dog will likely come running speeding bullets to you and then you give him his good boy then steak! Repeat several times then stop when he is on a roll.

Continue other exercises that were mentioned too. I yielded excellent results with the abovementioned exercise. Of course treat can be fazed out after the dog is conditioned to your heir command.

Have fun!

I usually start out with a short leash and from a heel, take a few steps backward and call my dog, then reward. I always start closer in and then increase the distance. Like others have said, being with you should be the absolute best and most fun place to be. It may take time and patience but I am sure you will do fine. Good luck

All the advice you've gotten is great. I totally agree with everything, especially the high food value and ALWAYS be happy and upbeat when your dog comes to you