Another doggie question...how do I train them to stay in OUR yard???

Question

My doggies are blue heelers. I'd rather allow them the freedom to walk around & take their time, without me pulling on a leash, when let outside. I do watch them. 1/2 of the time, they do great. The other 1/2, they run to the neighbor's house, to people walking throughout the neighborhood, across the road, etc. On 2 occasions, the male heeler barely missed on oncoming car. I'm hollaring, "Come on. Get back over here." They are steadily running farther away. (I won't even create the vivid picture of me chasing them.) When they do so, I scold them both....only for them to do it again & be more weary of coming to me....in avoidance of the scolding. Is there a RIGHT way to train them? I'm obviously not doing it. (And I do, of course, give praise / treats when they do well.)

And please don't answer with obedience school. It's, unfortunately, not an option for me....even though I'm sure it is great.

Answer 1

A leash or a fence.

By allowing them "freedom" to roam, you are also allowing them the freedom of getting hit by a car or getting into as fight with a strange dog.

I hate loose dogs that come charging at us. You have no idea if my dogs are friendly, and if strange dogs do not back off from us they will get a shot of pepper spray. Not to mention, if your dog gets into a fight with a leashed dog, you will be responsible for any vet bills.

Leash or fence, it is the responsible thing to do.

Answer 2

I have read plenty of raising-puppy books because I am raising a third puppy now. As far as chasing them and scolding them when you catch them, that may not be a good idea because you are teaching them that they should run more because they don't want to be scolded. Instead, try calling them. If they don't come, have a sit and wait for them to come to you. When they do come to you, praise them with a treat. Let them know that by coming when they are called, is a good thing for them.
Also, my neighbor kept her lab puppy in her yard and I asked her how she did it. She told me that her son had walked the dog around the yard several times, praising her when she was on the grass and scolding her (pulling her back to the grass and telling her "No!" in a strict voice) when she stepped on the cement. This wasn't a one-time process, it took a few times and could take several more, depending on the age of the dog.

Answer 3

You never scold or punish your dog for running away. Its true. You will just create a reason for them not wanting to return home. Call them,if they return give them a treat and praise them.If they run,when you get them back,give them a treat and talk nice to them. Make it a pleasure for them to come to you and you shouldn't have a problem.But if that doesn't work,you may need underground fence.

Answer 4

Sorry, but if your loose dog runs out into the road and I accidentally hit it with my car, I'm gonna be royally pissed at YOU!

You cannot try to live your fantasy of a fetter free life through your dogs by letting them "roam free". If you really feel dogs should be leash free, but you don't want to have a fence or leashes, you really have no business having those dogs.

Answer 5

You don't need to go to school to teach your dogs to listen. Get a book from the library or store. If your dogs aren't listen to you off leash then you need to put them back on leash until they are well trained even though it is a pain. It will be worth it in the long run and you will avoid tragedy and anoyance.

Answer 6

Fence or leash.

Once dogs have discovered the "joys" of wandering off it's almost impossible to teach them not to.

Answer 7

electric fence or a collar that you can zap em with!