Black lab puppy fixated on one spot outside

518 Views 4 Replies 4 Participants Last post by 3GSD4IPO, Jun 5, 2020

KonaBlackLab

Discussion Starter · Jun 2, 2020

Hello all, we have a 10x15 area next to deck in back yard that has bushes and dirt. Our dog will play for some time outside and then go in the spot and fixate on it. Calling her name/using e collar will not generate a response from her. Was looking for advice to get dog to be less obsessed with area. She sometimes poops/pees there. Was thinking of putting a lattice fence up but she can clear our 3 1/2 foot baby gate we have inside for my 2 year old. Will she just eventually get bored of it? Thank you (we have had her for a week, she is 6 months old).

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LeoRose

· #2 · Jun 3, 2020

It's entirely possible that there is some type of burrowing animal there. Either fence the area off or keep her on a leash to prevent her from going there.

Using an e-collar when she hasn't had any training will accomplish nothing, and probably make things worse. I'm an adult human, and when my fitness tracker vibrates and buzzes to let me know that I've been sitting at the computer for too long, I jump a mile, even though I know it will do that.

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KonaBlackLab

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jun 3, 2020

LeoRose said:
It's entirely possible that there is some type of burrowing animal there. Either fence the area off or keep her on a leash to prevent her from going there.

Using an e-collar when she hasn't had any training will accomplish nothing, and probably make things worse. I'm an adult human, and when my fitness tracker vibrates and buzzes to let me know that I've been sitting at the computer for too long, I jump a mile, even though I know it will do that.

Thank you for your response. My only concern about the fence is that she can already clear pretty high fence at 6 months. Will look into it though

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DaySleepers

· #4 · Jun 3, 2020

Is there any reason the dog can't fixate on this spot? eg he's destroying the yard in that spot or it's somehow unsafe? If not, I'd be inclined to let him sniff his heart out, sounds like he's getting some good natural enrichment out of it. If I needed to be able to call him in, I think I'd treat it similarly to resource guarding. Walk by while he's in the spot and drop extra nice goodies (cooked chicken, for example), until he anticipates your approach and looks up when you approach. Then slowly start asking him to take a step or two away from the spot to get the treat. You should release him back to the interesting spot as much as possible during training so he doesn't start to think treats and responding to you = the end of his outdoor fun. With this approach he should learn how to disengage from the spot to engage with you, and that responding to you doesn't end his sniffing and outdoor fun time so he's more relaxed about leaving that exciting environment.

If you really need to prevent the fixation altogether, I agree that some kind of barrier is probably your best bet, at least until the interesting smell goes away or your dog learns to do other things to entertain himself in the yard.

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3GSD4IPO

· #5 · Jun 5, 2020

You are using the e collar wrong. This dog is too young for an e collar. I use e collars in training a LOT and you are doing it wrong.

Use a long line and teach her recall and use really good treats when she comes to you. This means you have to make the effort to go out with her when she goes out (which you should be doing anyway at 6 months old).

I would start recall when she is next to you in the house. Say the recall word and offer food at you. Make that word and coming to you the best thing the dog can do and reward it well EVERY TIME. If she offers to come to you have treats. Yes, it mean carrying little pieces of hot dog with you all the time so you can always reward the dog. It will pay off in the end.

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