Greetings, I hope to learn alot from this forum, I'll get right into it...
Almost a year ago I adopted a dog from the SPCA, she is a Husky/Collie, now about 3 years old named Bruiser. I have read alot, watched videos, and got all the advice I could to train her properly, I was raised on a cattle farm with a Border Collie always around from the day I was born until I left home, so I know a little about Collies. Now back to my Bruiser, When we go for our our walks, I never let her lead me, but she still hasn't figured out that if she tries to get ahead of me that we will stop and not get anywhere, and she hasn't improved much (as in paying attention) since we got her, She is a very friendly dog and great with people and kids BUT my main problem when I take her to the offleash dog park, its like she forgets I even exist, the moment I take off her leash she bolts to the nearest dogs and plays and plays and plays, I could call her kindly or sternly but she wont return until finally a little worn out from playing with every dog in the park, now I have no problem with her playing, its sure alot better than fighting but, when she doesnt understand its time to leave and looks at me from across the park as if to say "heheh I'm going to keep playing and you can't do anything about it!" it is embarassing and frustrating and very discouraging and I know that experienced dog owner can see my lack of control over her and make me feel horrible because I know she has the potential to be a great dog, she can sit, lay, shake, stay and fetch when we play in my backyard, but as soon as another dog comes into the picture she totally ignores any commands, or starts whining crying and pulling until the other dog passes. Everyone tells me to train her to come to me with treats and kindness... I have tried that, and like I say, in my backyard it works like a charm, but in the park or anywhere else where there other dogs around, she couldnt care less about treats, I would rather her be interested her leader rather than using me for my delicious treats...I am wondering, if I shouldn't be taking her to the offleash park until she learns to listen better, but she needs to associate with other dogs, and as a collie/husky has alot of energy to burn off. I hope someone can help me become a better teacher/leader/owner.
Almost a year ago I adopted a dog from the SPCA, she is a Husky/Collie, now about 3 years old named Bruiser. I have read alot, watched videos, and got all the advice I could to train her properly, I was raised on a cattle farm with a Border Collie always around from the day I was born until I left home, so I know a little about Collies. Now back to my Bruiser, When we go for our our walks, I never let her lead me, but she still hasn't figured out that if she tries to get ahead of me that we will stop and not get anywhere, and she hasn't improved much (as in paying attention) since we got her, She is a very friendly dog and great with people and kids BUT my main problem when I take her to the offleash dog park, its like she forgets I even exist, the moment I take off her leash she bolts to the nearest dogs and plays and plays and plays, I could call her kindly or sternly but she wont return until finally a little worn out from playing with every dog in the park, now I have no problem with her playing, its sure alot better than fighting but, when she doesnt understand its time to leave and looks at me from across the park as if to say "heheh I'm going to keep playing and you can't do anything about it!" it is embarassing and frustrating and very discouraging and I know that experienced dog owner can see my lack of control over her and make me feel horrible because I know she has the potential to be a great dog, she can sit, lay, shake, stay and fetch when we play in my backyard, but as soon as another dog comes into the picture she totally ignores any commands, or starts whining crying and pulling until the other dog passes. Everyone tells me to train her to come to me with treats and kindness... I have tried that, and like I say, in my backyard it works like a charm, but in the park or anywhere else where there other dogs around, she couldnt care less about treats, I would rather her be interested her leader rather than using me for my delicious treats...I am wondering, if I shouldn't be taking her to the offleash park until she learns to listen better, but she needs to associate with other dogs, and as a collie/husky has alot of energy to burn off. I hope someone can help me become a better teacher/leader/owner.
