my 5yr old dog keeps running off at every oppurtunity he barges doors out of your hands and then refuses to co

Question

then refuses to come back until he is ready

Answer 1

I agree with all the answers that say he thinks he is alpha male and in charge of you. He is looking after you not the other way around. You need to make him feel you are the alpha male (sounds very silly but true). There is a whole chapter on this in the dog listener by Jan Fennell and it is relatively easy to solve - 1) eat before the dog - you control its food - never leave dishes down with food in
2) go through doorways before your dog and never let it block/ go through the door yourself
3) play and fuss the dog when you want to not when they initiate play
4.) good lead control when out - if your dog pulls - it thinks its in charge (ideas for this are found in all good training book)
5.) don't let the dog on furniture (your bed etc) unless submissive
6.) don't fuss the dog when you come into the house/ return home for 5 minutes or until the dog has calmed down and you iniate the greeting.

These rules are hard at first but if the dog thinks you are in control it will not run out. Recomend a good training class too. I would also short term put the dog on a training lead when opening the door and if he runs - pull strongly backwards with a "no!" and praise and treat when at your side.

Good luck with your pet and don't get rid of him!

Answer 2

Maybe you need to change his food and make coming back to you a rewarding game. I have a 18 month old Springer who is bonkers and full of beans. I discovered that there are preservatives in everyday canned and dry dog food which can make you dog more hyperactive, meaning he is less likely to concentrate. There are natural dog foods out there that dont' contain these preservatives, one brand is called Nature Diet, and I can say that my Springer has calmed down considerably. And, although rather crude, I suddenly I have white dog poo in my garden which is slightly more pleasant to clear up.
Once you've calmed the dog down, you need to take the most tasty treats out with you as a reward for your dog coming back, always use the same command for calling him back, and never go after him or scold him for taking his time coming back or he will associate coming back as bad. It will take some time and patience, but it will be rewarding in the end. Good luck!

Answer 3

I had a dog like this, never changed all his life! He used to run off as soon as he got chance, but we always found him in a local park, with a sign saying "no dogs" so think he was a rebel in a black coat! Get the dog 'seen to' and just be very firm with him, tone of voice is what they listen to, consider obedience classes, you could have this dog another 8-10 years at least, so you have time to do something

Answer 4

What breed is he? Some breeds have a tendency to bolt. If he hasn't been catrated, I'd consider it cos there may be a ***** on heat somewhere in the vicinity and if that's the case you've got no chance!

Answer 5

u need to show him ur in charge u hav to eat before he does and dont just get him what he wants when u get in control of him if he tries to get out then tell him not to if he does chase after him shouting him then if that doesent work get his food and convince him he should come back thenwhen he does dont give him any food for a bit then get him used to gettin fed in a set time not justwhen the dog feels like it then he should get under control then if u tell him no when he tries to get out he wont just dont be so soft, most problems with dogs r to do with food

Answer 6

please make sure this dog is safe and isn't running out into the street.
i hope you have fences.

also it seems like you are not in control of this dog. you have given him an inch somwhere down the line and now he is walking all over you. YOU ARE THE ALPHA, make sure he knows this. try some obedience classes. take back control for his own safety. this link has some good exercises:
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/alpha1.html

Answer 7

Take your dog to obedience classes. It will hopefully benefit both you and your dog. Good luck !

Answer 8

That can be very stressful for you. sounds like he is a little hyper. Could changing his diet help? At least it helped my toddler. ( - : Now I can take him to the park without worries.Good luck.

Answer 9

try getting him fixed. he'll have less of an urge to find female dogs.

Answer 10

i think it hates you and wants to go somewhere it will be loved and taken care of hun