‘Re-training’ a two year old dog

[Ranger 6]

We’ve had Murphy since he was a puppy and for six months of his early life we had training with the local dogs trust who were very good.

We’ve always tried to be consistent with words and firm commands however he has recently started to ignore commands to return. When he runs off it’s either to play with other dogs, or go and ‘talk’ to horses which obviously upsets their riders. He does not respond to the whistle or ‘come’ command until he wants to.

We’ve now got a long lead (10m) and are using it to give him room to explore when we’re out walking, but can reel him in if we get close to anyone else. We use the same commands and try to make sure he doesn’t lunge at other dogs or people.

Thoughts/advice on making sure he returns on command, not when he’s finished playing?

[Ranger 6]

parakitaMol. said:

Lots of very good stuff

Many thanks - I will take time to build on what we've done and your suggestions. Looks like Kay9 is close enough to be convenient - we take him out to the woods round Ash ranges

Yes, he's a Labradoodle

[Ranger 6]

Cheers - the local horses get 'conditioning' training when he stands at the gate and barks at them going past.

We're surrounded by two Polo clubs, two other stables and a large well known Middle Eastern Sheik's racing stables so there's no end of 'targets' for him and it would be good to reduce his fixation.

[Ranger 6]