!8 mnth mnth westie ive had 3wks takes off when gate is open & ignores my call to c'mere,same when I ask him

Question

Snowie has had little training as his 1st owner was elderley,will he ever adhere to my calls to come here,he's a good dog otherwise &very affectionate to us & our wee yorkie.When iv'e taken them for a walk & unleash them in the garden Snowie looks me straight in the eye & turns to run as though he's thinking "I'll decide when I come in".HELP,cos I want to keep him.

Answer 1

We also have a westie who came for another home first. He,s a great pall for our jack russell. But we had this problem that he wouldn,t come back when called. so we started the training in the house first ... call Snowie and when he comes give a treat ..then try calling from another room ... he will soon get the hang of it ... Westies are fantastic dogs but I,ve got to say they do have a stubborn streak and a will of their own god luck. x

Answer 2

It could be that Snowie is missing his first owner, and runs away in the hope of finding his way back to them. Also, three weeks is very early on to be worrying if you can keep him. Poor little thing must be very confused right now, it will take time to settle. Obedience classes are always really helpful, but there are things you can do at home too. Dogs love food, try offering food treats as rewards for good recall. I would recommend keeping him on the lead outside in parks etc, but practise in the garden, calling him and rewarding his return. Also, spend lots of time playing with him, so he sees you as a fun person to be around, and will be more eager to come back to you to see what the next game will be. Most dogs respond well to lots of praise and encouragement, and in time, you can replace the food treats with praise instead. My little cavalier king charles loves being told what a good girl she is. Dogs like to please, just give him a little time. Good luck, it's not easy to train an adult dog, but with patience and TLC you will get there. I hope this helps.

Answer 3

Start by making sure your gate is allways closed! Next take your dog to a training class. www.obedianceuk.com has lists of clubs and classes so you can find one in your area. To get started before you go to a class is to take your dog somewhere with a bit of space, take a long lead, treats, a toy and a helper. Get your helper to hold the dog, then back away to the full length of your lead. Tell your dog "name, Come" and use the lead to gently pull the dog towards you. When the dog comes, praise lots and give a treat or play with the toy, depending upon your dogs preferences. This will take time and patience to teach and will need lots of sessions. Don't let your dog lose until you have a solid recall. When you do start letting him off the lead on a walk make sure you have lots of treats or their favorite toy. You then have to make yourself the most interesting thing at the park/garden. Persever and keep practicing and your dog will learn to come back.

Answer 4

One a dog should not be allowed outside unless it's a secured area especially since you've only had it for 3 weeks. Get yourself and the doggie into obedience classes and work on recall. It doesn't just happen by itself if you don't train the dog and owner!

Answer 5

Our dog used to do this all the time. We just took him out more often on a leash. Since he is somewhat new to the household be patient maybe hes just getting used to you. He is still young so maybe he will grow out of it. My dog did. You can also try some training classes. They might be helpful. Good luck.

Answer 6

Westies are terriors and they are terrors they like to run and play and not listen. You should get him some professional training as soon as possible or keep it on a tight leash. I have aq miniature schnauzer and he is a terrior and does the same thing. We put him on a leash to teach him and let him go and see if he runs. If so we leash him again. Good luck

Answer 7

so keep the gate closed before he gets killed on the road.