Pup thinks it's a game

CoverTune · 05-10-2007, 10:18 PM

This is a bad one... any time my puppy is not restrained and anyone walks towards her, she takes off running thinking it's a fabulous game of chase. Most of the time of course, we could just ignore it and walk past her, but there are times when we actually need to "catch" her. I'm trying SO hard to not "play the game" with her and not keep pursuing her... but some times it's important that I get her.

How do I break her of this running away habit?

Also, I can't keep her harnessed and tethered to me as her harness doesn't fit very well yet so we only use it when we must (going outside etc).

briteday · 05-10-2007, 10:36 PM

Never chase, never yell. Then it really is a game. Sometimes a pup will take notice if you walk in the opposite direction. Could be time for some obedience classes.

poodleholic · 05-11-2007, 01:46 AM

"Keep Away" is a dog's favorite game! Never chase her; go the opposite direction!

You need to work on recall, but remember to never call her to you unless you know she'll come (i.e., when she's already on her way to you), or, when you have her on leash so that you can reel her in.

Jen D · 05-11-2007, 04:33 AM

I have a rescue that loves this game and I will not play with her. I run the other way calling her name and she comes running after me right into the house. You need to work on this even when you don't need to catch her so when you do she willl come. I will also give her treats when she does follow me into the house, working with ther on this has worked out great but now I just have to train the rest of my family to do the same. I will say just one more thing never yell at her when you do catch her because she will only think that I better stay away they scold me when I go to them.