My Dog Runs Away when off the lead

[sparkymosie]

My dog Oscar is 10 months old and a rescue dog.When I take him to the park he goes mad for anything that moves (including falling leaves!!) and there is no way I can let him off the lead. When I did, he just ran and ran -not responding to calls or treats. He gets so excited to see the world. I am taking him to training classes to socialise him, but he still runs off in the park. what shall i do??

[jules77]

you havnt said how long you have had him, but you are doing the right thing by taking him to training classes, and sooner or later he will learn the basic recall and to come back to you, but you need to practice this on the lead first. As for taking him out over the park, I would use a flexi lead or tracking lead until you are sure he will come back. I rarely let mine off the lead to be honest, only when I know there are no other dogs around as they are easily spooked which is a different scenario to you. They have their free running exercise in the garden, and plenty of long walks on the lead. Good luck with him, you will need plenty of patience and perseverance.

[abstibus]

Would an extending lead be any help? This way he could satisfy his curiosity and still romp, and you would still be able to keep him under control. He could run off some energy this way - shorten the lead when you are going home and he should be tired enough to walk alongside. it worked with my friend's rescue flat-coated retriever - took time and patience, but he's a joy now.

[fatotter]

watch the dog whisperer

[winny]

I would not let him off for a while until the training has kicked in. By letting him off and chasing him round you are simply making a bad habit worse. Sorry but it will be wothh waiting for. Use a extending lead or long lead while you practice. Remember by following him round and chasing him you are simply making him think you are the follower not the leader. If he runs off simply turn and walk the other way. He will realise you are not engaging in his little game and come back. This needs practice on the long lead to be safe, or have you a field or park that has fences you could use to practice in. I have finally got this to work with my lab and other dogs although the other owners think it is odd when I shout and turn tail stamping my feet loudly in the other direction. She has finally got the hang of coming back even when there is an interesting friend to see. Now if i could crack it with water too!!!! Jan Fellenn the dog listener is great