What am I to do with my 4 yr old german shepherd?

Question

Boomer graduated at the top of his puppy obedience class, than again at the top of his adult obedience class. He was with my nephew then, I got him when he was 15 months old. When he is contained, or on a leash, you can't ask for a better dog, but when he is running free on my 10 acres, he won't come to me. He use to get in my truck, but now he won't do that, what am I to do???

Answer 1

Misa M forgot the link. Here it is

http://www.clickerdogs.com/perfectrecallaccount.htm

Good luck!

Remember that if you are only calling him to end his running free, he will not be too motivated to come to you because it means "fun's over". When I take my hounds out for a run I call them back frequently and reward them, then let them run again. This way they know that coming back doesn't mean I'm going to end their fun, and they get a treat which motivates them to come back and to make sure they know where I am so they can come back for their treat when I call.

Answer 2

My very first thought is the question of are bonded you with Boomer? You said that you got him when he was 15 months old. Are you the one that feeds Boomer? Do you bring him inside and just play with him? Does Boomer like to play with a ball?
I personally would try to make the bond stronger. Even with a big dog - if you sit down on the floor and just play with him and talk to him, he should- over time - respond to you.
As far as not coming when he is called - this is what I have seen trainers do with puppies and grown dogs. You need to get a leash that is about 8 feet long. Attach it to his collar. Then what you need to do is call Boomer by his name. At the same time you need to be pulling - not jerking - Boomer toward you. When he comes, praise him alot!!!!! Also give him a treat when he has come to you. Make Boomer think that he is the GREATEST dog coming and going!!!!! Pour on the praise and the treats don't hurt. But - remember that you eventually want him to come to you just because you called him.
Hope this is of some help.

Answer 3

There's an article for you to read (link below) called "Deposits into the Perfect Recall Account" - from agility training great Susan Garrett. Have a look at that, check her list, and you may discover that you'll have some things to work on with your dog that you hadn't thought of. I also love the "Really Reliable Recall" DVD - available on Dogwise - for more help with this problem. Basically both of these trainers will emphasize building your relationship with your dog so that you will have more value than the things your dog is finding out on your property. This is a solvable problem! Good luck.

Answer 4

Coming to you and getting into the truck need to be rewarding and fun, when he does come near you offer a treat and make a big deal about how good he is rather than grabbing him and making it a negative experiance. Have his favortie toy in the truck. A dog will remember a negative experiance such a getting caught more than a posative one like praise, so you need to do it a few times

Answer 5

not sure with so much room to run hes thinking about hunting or guarding his territory so they seem to have a one track mind when it comes to that.when you get him on his lease put him in the back dogs live riding in the wind iwas told this once all the oxygen makes then hi

Answer 6

He's just being a dog. Who wouldn't want to run free on acreage? He's probably too distracted to listen to your commands.

Answer 7

i would take him your self to a brush up obedience class! it's been a while + he needs to learn to listen to you!

Answer 8

shock collar

Answer 9

He might be death.