Kingdom of Pets

Posted by MDamics
May 14, 2009

I have an 18 month old labrador/golden retriever mix named Kiya. We have taken puppy training and overall she is very good. She listens while in the house and comes when I call her but once she gets outside, especially off leash, it is as if I don't exist. When I call her to come to me, she doesn't even look at me. So if it is a case of where she has gotten loose, I just have to wait until she tires of running around and then catch her.

Not sure how to increase her focus on me and to come whenever I call her to me regardless of where we are. I worry that she is going to get loose and get hurt.

Posted by KOPsarah
May 14, 2009

hi and thanks for your post.
This sort of problem is very common with golden retrievers when they reach 18 months, this is the the time when they hit their teens and it can be hard to sort out. The best thing to do is to regularly practice the come command as outlined in your dog secrets training manual and to practice "look". Get your dog into a sit and hold a treat near your eyes when the dog looks up into your eyes give her the treat. Eventually she will learn to look at your eyes when the treat is still in your pocket. These two commands encourage your dog to pay close attention to you at all times in case a treat is coming. Remember almost all retrievers and labradors are highly food motivated and this is the best tool you have to overcome teenage problems. Retrievers/labradors are however prone to weight gain so consider using some of her dinner kibble for training or reducing her meal size in proportion to treats given.

It may take a while to reliably get her attention while off lead but you will get there with lots of practice. Good luck for your training and let me know how you get on.

Doesn't Listen Outside