British Dalmatian Club

matncat · Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2012 1:39 pm Post subject: He keeps running away

Could anyone help me with Domino, he has started running way when we're out.
Is it just his age and can I change this pattern?
He is 15 weeks old and has been brilliant from as soon we could go out, he has always come back on command.
I started doing gentle jogs (only a mile) in the common ground behind the field not far from home. He seemed to enjoy it, then on Wednesday he turned tail and ran off!
Thankfully he ran home, but crossed two roads to get there. Being too nervous that this may happen again I sent my husband out, the first time the stayed close, the second he again ran off home.
Thankfully we live in a quiet village and he is running home but I'm too nervous to let him off, and we loved going to the field with the children and a ball which is out of the question now.
Could possible reasons for this be that he is hungry? I don't feed him before we run but when we get in, or is he just not enjoying it?

Thanks
Cathy and Domino
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Matt & Cathy

Jeangenie · Joined: 01 Apr 2004 Posts: 2208 Location: Denial

Hi! It could be that you're expecting too much, too soon. Running for a mile is far too much for his baby joints, and the discomfort he feels could be making him turn tail. At this age he just needs walks for socialisation, not for exercise - he can get enough of that simply by playing.

Please don't start jogging with him till he's nearer a year old; it could save him from early arthritis.

matncat · Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2012 2:36 pm Post subject:

ok, good point, really dont want that. Thought a gentle jog around the field would of been good for him, as he has loads of energy. But will leave it for the time being. Should i change where I go with him when i want to let him of the lead, so he doesnt run off or is it better that at least he is running home!!
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Matt & Cathy

Maggi · Joined: 15 Apr 2004 Posts: 2883 Location: Derbyshire

I think you need to spend time concentrating on him and training him. Practice his recall as a fun game - two of you go to the field, go a little way apart call him and reward - send him to your partner and reward. Play games with him and be with him. Walk a little way on the lead then let him off again for another little play. He's still a baby, too young for jogging, he needs to learn to be with you first.
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matncat · Posted: Sat Mar 17, 2012 10:01 am Post subject:

Thanks, we will try that today Maggi.

We started training on Wednesday and he was quite good at it and he was so tired afterwards.

Think I may focus on that for our enjoyment. Very Happy

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Regards,

Matt & Cathy

Flygirl · Posted: Sat Mar 17, 2012 2:56 pm Post subject:

Hi Cathy,

I have to agree with everything Jeangenie and Maggi have said. Free running in play is fine, as they will stop when they are tired and tired puppies are good puppies, but you should not be doing any jogging or running with a bike for a long while yet. I would personally wait until he is 18 months old.

Definitely get on with the training and make it fun! Start in the garden, so you will have the confidence that he can't run anywhere unsafe, then progress to a field or the park. I whistle train mine. The whistle cannot convey anxiety, frustration or anger as your voice can (even if unintended). Also a whistle carries much further than your voice especially against the wind! Use a high pitched whistle, but not a soundless one. If it is one with a thread lock it into position with glue, so the frequency is always the same. Also they have a habit of unscrewing themselves and falling off! Start in the house with a whistle just as you give him his food. Then whistle and give him a treat, so that he associates the whistle with a reward. Then start to use the whistle when he is a few yards off and treat him when he comes. Gradually go longer distances. Eventually you should be able to keep him guessing as to whether or not he will get a treat, but at first you should always reward with lots of praise and a treat. If you are worried about him running off when you are practising your training when you're out, you can start by doing it in on a long line until you are confident. You can also incorporate "hide and seek" into the recall training, you hide behind a bush and get him to find you. I'm sure the training classes will help as well and your trainer may give you some other ideas!

Liz
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Homeless · Joined: 08 Apr 2009 Posts: 499 Location: West glamorgan