My dog likes to run, anyway to change that?

Question

My border collie mix is gone in a flash if he slips out the door, or manages to get off his leash, or slips out of the backyard when the gate opens. We're very careful with him because we know he runs off --so it doesn't happen that often.

I see other people who can keep their dog unrestrained and it doesn't go too far. Our lab mix puppy doesn't seem to want to run like Rufus (the collie) but because of Rufus we're hesitant to give her much freedom.

Does anyone know what training techniques can be used to keep the dogs close?

Please don't give me any of those answers that he runs off because he doesn't like us -- I know it's not that -- he just puts his nose to the ground and takes off to investigate, he's always thrilled to be back home.

Thanks!

Thanks -- our neighbors have a Jack Russell who does the same thing -- one day they both got out together and away they went. Rufus gets a ton of exercise we have plenty of space in our fenced in backyard for him to run -- he just likes exploring the neighborhood.

Answer 1

you need to teach it the COME comand.
first try it in the house. then once it can do it inside do it in the garden, then work on out on walks.
1=get rid or any distractions, can get a clicker(it will help), and lots of treats.
2=if you have a clicker first you need to biuld it up by clicking it and giving the dog a treat untill it knows that click=treat.
3= in a room let it wonder away. them call its name and let it see the treat. when it starts to come to you say COME,(once or twice only) when it gets to you click and reward it. keep doing this untill it comes as soon as you call it.
4=them move to a garden and do the same. once it comes streight away move on to walk.
5 get a long line of and extender leash. let it wonder away and call it back just as you did inside.
once you happy it will come out side with distractions then let it off in and secure field. the more he does it the less you need to give it a treat just a fuss instead.

if it doesnt come back or runs off dont punish it once you have caught it as this teaches it not to come back.

Answer 2

Try some of the dog training books. The Dog Whisperer is a good book. So is Dog Training for dummies.
Some dogs just like to roam and investigate. You may have to invest in an electric/invisible fence with the shock collar. The only problem with those and Border Collies is that Border Collies are so obsessive that they will tolerate the pain and discomfort to do what they think they need to do.
You may want to consult a local trainer or find a Border Collie group on line and ask them.

Answer 3

No offense ,but Border Collies and BC/mixes have a tendency to be smarter than their owners .Anyone that has owned one or been around one will testify to that.
You might want to try keeping a leash on him while hes in the house ,a longer one of soft cotton,and tie it to a strong object,then when the door is opened he dashes out and is stopped abruptly by the tied cotton leash,it will not hurt your sweet dog but being smart it will only take a few times before he understands the consequences of his running out the door . Over time he will no longer need the leash. Good luck with your super smart friend.

Answer 4

I used to now your problem with my 6yr.old pomeranian,we got him when he was almost a year old and the person who had him before didn't train him. he would run off when ever he had a chance. My advice is that before you start your training session that you take her for a long walk,border Collie's are very enegetic dogs, so that when you want to start training she is much calmer.
#1 attach a long leash to her coller and when she runs off, call her back and if she doesn't come, pull her to you then make her sit and praise her for coming.

#2 attach the long leash and when she comes, give her a special treat (like small amounts of cheese and hot dogs it is ok for dogs to eat it) and praise her so she learns that coming to you means alot of fun.
I advise that you teach her to heal at your side it is a very good tool in obedience. Don't listen to people that say the dog runs off because it doesn't like you, because that isn't true the dog simply loves to run around. You lab mix puppy doesn't like to run off because puppies don't like to stray far away from there mothers (you), but that might change when your puppy becomes an adult unless she gets trained, you can use the same techniques. This is going to be along process so when you feel that your dog is ready to go off lead then do it in an enclosed area. It helps if when you are outside with your dog, to tie a short leash to her and have her follow you everywhere,so she learns to stay close.

I'm glad I could help. Trust me I trained my dog to do over one hundred commands and tricks

Answer 5

Your dog probably needs to be corrected. The dog probably is tired of being on a leash, so when it gets the chance to be off it just wants to run. Best thing to do is get a leash training collar (find one at petsmart) that looks like a choke but with the prongs that face inward (may seem midevil, but its not), and keep a loose leash. Every time the dog doesnt bold praise and give him a treat. That may begin to fix the problem, but I would say go to obedience school.

Answer 6

We have a jack russell terrier and have a similar problem. We took him to puppy training and unfortunately it didn't help. We basically have to keep him on his leash at all times, even in the house. I think it might just be in some dogs' natures to be free spirited and to want to run and explore. Do you have a local dog park that is fenced in? If so, I would take him there as much as possible. When we can't take our dog to the dog park we still make sure he gets plenty of exercise.

Answer 7

This is natural and some breeds are more likely to take off after a squirrel or a new smell than others. Training them not to bolt out the door or gate is difficult but can be done. First you need to make sure they will come when called, and will sit and stay on command.

You can teach them to come when called, even if they are running after a new smell, if you are willing to put in the effort. You need to train them in a large area that is fenced and safe, such as a dog park. You skip one of their meals so they are hungry, and fill your pocket with treats but don't let them know. Then you put a long leash on them --16-20 ft--and and let them loose in the fenced area with the leash dragging. While they aren't looking, step on the end of the leash, call their name and say "come". If they come up to you give them a treat. If they don't come, jerk on the leash to get their attention and pull them to you, and give them a treat when they get to you.

Repeat this until they consistently come when called, even if they are running off after a new smell. And never punish them after they come to you, even if they don't come right away and you are mad at them.

When they try to bolt out the door or out a gate, you need to say "No" with authority, make them sit and stay, then praise them and give them a treat.

Answer 8

Of course the dog should be leashed when going outside.... BUT a dog might run away IF:
a) there are other dogs in your house and those dogs or one of them happens to be the king of the house and the dog that runs away is not high up in the hierarchy
b) the dog is not treated well... he is spanked, scolded to, etc

Answer 9

You can use a shock collar. When your dog gets to the edge of the property give him a little shot. Do this every time and he will learn not to go past that line. There is also those invisible fence that seems to work too.

Answer 10

No. Border collies are GREAT dogs. They're smart and NEED alot of exercise. You should have considered that before you bought a dog.