Lab pup not coming when called..insight needed!!

[marylandpheasants]

Fellas,

I have a 16 week old female black lab. She's turning out great but is VERY independent. Unlike my previous dog, I just don't see yet that will to please.

She is very smart and knows sit stay and come, and has been following these commands well. The problem is that starting yesterday, she will not come when she doesn't want to. For example, if she knows that I'm calling her to come into the house, she'll no run.

I know this is a crucial time in training and I need to nip this in the bud quickly but in the correct way. How do I break this bad habit and get a hard headed independent dog to come when called?

Thanks for your insight in advance!!!

 

[BrownDogsCan2]

Fellas,

I have a 16 week old female black lab. She's turning out great but is VERY independent. Unlike my previous dog, I just don't see yet that will to please.

She is very smart and knows sit stay and come, and has been following these commands well. The problem is that starting yesterday, she will not come when she doesn't want to. For example, if she knows that I'm calling her to come into the house, she'll no run.

I know this is a crucial time in training and I need to nip this in the bud quickly but in the correct way. How do I break this bad habit and get a hard headed independent dog to come when called?

Thanks for your insight in advance!!!

I'd back off a little bit and just call her when she's already coming to you, until it passes. If you have access to an intro, or puppy socialization class, it's time well spent.

 

[jonnyB]

Four month's...very young puppy.

Perhaps introduce a long rope lead and pull her in when you call; treats work well as a reward. Keep repeating, but only on a long lead.

Off lead, a long tall or garage works well, and the treat when the dog comes.

A little later, perhaps five month's, introduce the collar and proceed, but with short distances, always with a treat. Obedience classes also work wonders!

Good Luck

 

[Gatzby]

She's just a baby! Slow down make life fun for your pup. Use a check cord, call her ONCE, if she fails to come give her a light bump with the cord until she comes. Than praise the heck out of her and give her a treat. Let her drag a cord when ever you feel you may need to call her. Keep it fun. Check Sound Beginnings by Bill Hillman (I think). He has a great puppy program. Have fun with your pup and don't worry about time lines.

Steve

 

[carptom1]

It can drive me nuts when dogs do this. I agree with above take it easy! Check cord and patience should do the trick. Reward and reinforce good behavior. Above all try to end on a good note( for both you and the dog) she will figure it out.

 

[duckn66]

I'd back off a little bit and just call her when she's already coming to you, until it passes. If you have access to an intro, or puppy socialization class, it's time well spent.

That is what I would do to. Only call her when she is coming to you and when she gets to you really make over her.

She is only 16 weeks, still a baby. She should be going on field walks right now and doing some exploring, seeing the world. Get her used to a leash a little bit etc etc. But nothing to serious just yet.

 

[BrowningCitori]

That is what I would do to. Only call her when she is coming to you and when she gets to you really make over her.

She is only 16 weeks, still a baby. She should be going on field walks right now and doing some exploring, seeing the world. Get her used to a leash a little bit etc etc. But nothing to serious just yet.

I think we have all been there. Bottom line "never give a command that you can't enforce" thus the long lead comments, etc. Just let here trail a long lead on walks, etc and get her used to it. Then leave it one her and when you need it, use it. When she is older, you can use an e-collar but I wouldn't go there now. Every dog is different, just have patience and keep asking questions.