Dog won't recall when off her lead

[broken biscuit]

I take our 18 month old Staffie walking on the lead every day. We have a pen in the park where dogs can be off lead. When I take her in there, no matter what I do, she will not recall once off her lead. It often ends in another 20+ minutes of her running about until i eventually pin her in a corner and grab her lead.

She will go off-lead on riverbanks with other dogs, and recall without issue most of the time, yet when shes in the pen, its a nightmare. Given the nights are drawing in, its getting that bad I dare not take her in the pen as I cant guarantee to catch her before its pitch black.

I have tried treats, food, you name it, but she wont come back, and treats it as a game. Any suggestions?

[durbster]

Just before her first season, my Staffy started doing this on our morning walk over the fields. I didn't know she was coming into season so I had no idea what was going on. Normally there's nothing she won't do for a treat.

We've really worked hard on her recall and do it every single time she's off the lead but for three days on the trot, she just refused to come near me and twice actually walked herself home (only round the corner, but still), albeit constantly looking back to make sure I was following.

I went barmy at her when I caught up with her - the first and only time I've really shouted at her - hoping to scare her but I don't she understood and she simply did it again the next day so that was a waste of time.

The only solution that worked was when I stopped chasing her and instead, every time she ran off I'd immediately turn and walk in the other direction. I ended up walking over a bank and I think not being able to see me spooked her enough. I had a nervous minute while I wondered whether she'd fall for it and then she sheepishly appeared over the bank and stood right by my feet while I put her lead on.

I don't know if it'd work for you but might be worth a try. If you can somehow present her the choice of continuing to piss about or run the risk of being left behind, I suspect she'll choose the latter. Can you get completely out of sight?

[Karyn]

"When we go the pen, it's awesome because dad chases me and we play tag! Then I let him catch me and we go home. I love it!"






When you recall her when she's with the other dogs when not at the pen, do all the dogs come at once? Does she come back to you when you call her singularly, or does she just arrive with another dog (pack)?

If the answer to the above question is "she comes when she's called, full stop", then I'd say she's inadvertently taught both herself and you that "pen = chasing round and having loads of fun", and you'll need to revisit your basic recall training for a couple of weeks (treats, leader line, etc.) whilst actually inside the pen - not letting her off-lead there until you're sure she's got the recall.

If the answer to the question above is (when out and about with other dogs), "when I call her, sometimes she doesn't come back, and if she does come back, it's only because another owner has called their dog and she's followed them", then I'm afraid your dog doesn't actually have much in the way of recall, and you need to.......revisit the basic recall training....

All roads lead to Rome, and all that...!

I do find it phenomenal how quickly they'll teach themselves something you actually really don't want them to do... (like how to open the bin and pull the rubbish out)... but try and teach them something you want them to do... well! That can sometimes be a slow process, can't it!

[broken biscuit]

When I walk her with friends dogs, and call her, she will come. Not every time, but most, she comes on first call. I think she sees the pen as a game more than just disobedience. I guess its back to the long lead and treats for recall.