Kingdom of Pets

Posted by orb181
May 6, 2012

Hi, I have two 10 month old English Jack Russell dogs from the same litter. One is a real sweetie and is really well behaved.
Finn, on the other hand is stubborn.I have my suspicions that it may be linked to the fact that he was the favourite from the litter and was very spoilt. I got them 7 months ago and have tried to train them to the same stage, but Finn just doesnt seem to get it. He wont come every time that he is called, and runs away when i try to put his collar on to go out, or try to put his lead back on when we are walking at the river.
I have tried using treats to get him to come, but he is sneaky and grabs the treat then goes back to what he wants to do.
If anyone is able to help, it would be really appreciated as I am running out of ideas, and im amazed at how different his temperment is from his brother.

Posted by MaxHollyNoah
May 8, 2012

Hi orb181,

Isn't it so interesting that every puppy/dog has different personality
Are you speding one on one time with each of the dogs, or are they always together? I strongly recommend you spend time with each of the dogs on a daily basis. That way, you will get to know Finn better and I am sure you will find some new good things about him

I have 3 dogs and a foster dog and I walk all 4 of them at the same time but I love to walk each dog separately when I have time on weekends. It is the best time to build relationship between YOU and Finn, you can work on his specific issues, and control him better. Maybe he doesn't thinks "Come" is a command that he needs to obey. He could have gotten away with not coming so far. Since you shouldn't reprimand him for not coming right away, it is difficult to correct this behavior. The best thing you can do is to use a long leash and treats and just keep practicing every day so that he will learn that coming when called is a good thing

Good luck

Posted by KOPCaroline
May 16, 2012

Hi there,

I think using leads at home is a great idea to train on "come". Just keep his collar and lead on all the time at home, so that when you say "come", and he approaches to get his treat, you can grab the leash to prevent him from shooting off again. If he tries, say "no", give the lead a little tug, and say "come" again.

Be sure you're rewarding him with praise and pats when he does come - he needs to recognize that responding well is a good thing!

Stubborn Jack Russell