Training to not run away

[monkeyman]

When I get my corgi in the middle of August I want to be sure I am prepared to train her properly. I'd like to get her to sit and do all the other novelty tricks but by far my biggest concern is running away or coming when I call while we're outside.

We trained my lab back home to come on command and follow us around on a walk without a leash but never could break the wild streak in the beagle. If someone left the door open (or the slidding glass door unlocked, he figured out how to open it) the beagle would take off and it would take us hours to catch him.

I am terrified of this happening with a new dog. I know for awhile that I'll be faster then him and I would imagine that is the perfect time to train them right. But how are Corgis with taking off? Are there any proven and tested methods for training them to come on command and stay near you when outside at a park or if the front door happens to get left open?

[tandemgal]

Hi Monkeyman again,

Emma has a stubborn streak as do most Corgi. I don't trust her outside of our yard because she has a history or running. Would not recomend letting "new puppy" off leash till trained to come when her name is called. Sorry to say Emma still may not come every time - this is our biggest/only problem but one I am determined to win this spring.

Chloe our 15 week old is the super star of her puppy class (yes I take full credit for her greatness! thank you). Our granddaugher Leah (age 10) is her main handler in class. Chloe had run a couple of times b4 we started training. !st week (this past week) we learned "Name Recognision" and after only 1 week I can trust her to comeback when called within reason. Bribed with only a small piece of liver treat each time she makes eye contact and comes when we call her name. Well worth the $3 for the bag of treats! This week we train on loose leash walking with a turn and sit (Chloe & Leah can already do this!), not nipping at ankles, learning fingers are not playthings (will be a hard one for Leah lol), sit, and reinforce Off / take it comands with open palm instead of clenched fist.

SO my point is take your puppy to class to learn the best way to teach "new puppy" how to behave. I know many experienced Corgi owners who don't need a class to work with their dog. But I wanted to train both Chloe AND Leah how to work and play together.

You being new to this and going to be on your own when you move I would recomend a class. We are enrolled at Pet Smart and have a great trainer. Well worth the training for both Chloe and Leah! If a 10 year old can learn to train a 15 week old I know you will not have any trouble and it will give you great piece of mind.

[glencorgi]

[quote=monkeyman]When I get my corgi in the middle of August I want to be sure I am prepared to train her properly. I'd like to get her to sit and do all the other novelty tricks but by far my biggest concern is running away or coming when I call while we're outside.

Training is the only way to insure a reliable recall. Use some of the basics you used with the Lab as a foundation and enroll in an obedience class as soon as the puppy is old enough. Carol Lea Benjamin has a good book on raising a puppy which you might find useful.


Debbie

[Michael Romanos]

You just can't compare a Beagle with a Corgi for co-operating Beagles and Siberian Huskeys are perhaps the worlds worse breeds for obeying recalls and not wandering away when presented with an opportunity. Corgis are easily trained for all movements and non-movements and will recognise an 'invisable' barrier.

If you do not have the know-how to train your Corgi yourself - and you don't need any more space than inside a modest size living room - then organised puppy class training will get you underway.

I doubt that Corgis are as generally obedient as Labradors but the degree can be minimal. Afterall Labs are recognised world-wide as among the easiest breeds to keep perfectly in check.

[Chip's Mom]

I am training Chip to come when called by offering treats as an incentive. He is 12 weeks old and will come when called if he knows I have treats in my hand. Yesterday, he ran away from my daughter in law and she chased him. (thankfully I have a fenced in yard so he couldn't go far although it is about an acre so he led her on a merry chase) When I went outside, Chip came to me. He has done this a couple times with me previously and I ignore him and walk away from him. He doesn't like to be ignored and will come to me. I think it is a game to him. I am hoping to enroll him in obedience also at Petsmart. Corgi's are a very smart dog and learn easily.

[Michael Romanos]

Corgis love being chased - by humans and other friendly animals. It is one of their top rating games. The harder you chase and the more real you make it- the better the Corgi likes it. They adore doing the hide and seek thing - running in and out of bushy areas - and running circles around you and doing the sidestep and the swerve. And if you effect a Corgi roll (rollover the ground) at speed- wow that's the kind of drama a Corgi loves.

[corgimom]

michael,

I am still working on the walking issue with Cody - he has got to be the most
stubborn thing when it comes to walking. Practically all dogs in my neighborhood are out in front of their owner "pulling them" somewhat, but not
my Cody, it is like having a 20 pound bowling ball to pull from behind me.

I have tried the jogging and today he ran with me for about 2 minutes and then he just stopped - layed down and would not budge until I nudged his
behind. We walked for about 3/4 mile and in that time, he layed down 4 times
and stopped at least 10. I think he is trying to bribe me for a treat in order
for him to get moving - this dog is not dumb, but these outings with him are
not the most fun thing for me; I don't let him feel my frustration; I will always encourage him to "walk" or say "lets go" and he goes for a few steps and then STOPs. However, when he sees little kids outside, he is full throttle
ahead -

I have no idea why he dislikes walking so much - I give him opportunities to
smell, etc., but he is definitely trying to be the boss here. UGH


linda
corgimom

[darci]

I know I am not micheal, but I just wondering if you had tried the "gentle leader" ?

http://www.gentleleader.com/pages.cfm?id=29

I havent tried this but some members of another forum I frequent have and have had good results.

Maybe some one on this board has tried the "gentle leader" or something like it ?

[corgimom]

I thought a Gentle Leader was used more for dogs that pull - I would like
thoughts on using this??


Corgimom

[Cardiguy]

I think the theory behind the gentle leader is that it is easier to direct the dog via snout than it is the entire neck where a normal leash is attached. It takes much less effort to exert control. I would think the gently leader is for dogs that pull as opposed to dogs you have to pull.

[corgimom]

So it probably would not work for me since my dog is one that I need to pull?,
rather than one that pulls me.

linda

[Michael Romanos]

Hi Linda
It's no use 'feeding' his stubborness.You're right about dog control devices. Corgis train easily not to be pullers so it's really just the chocker that's needed to keep them to heel - not falling behind all the time and not pushing ahead. But the general Corgi on a lead will present to the handler the pace they want to go on a walk. Sometimes it's slower or faster than you desire but that's the way it is. The weather sometimes determines how a Corgi is feeling. Usually a constant handler and their Corgi get into mutually accepted walking rythmn. If Cody goes best with kids. Get a kid who is responsible and would love to take Cody for meaningful walks. After a time, you take over and that might just solve the problem. Another idea is to relay to him that his walking destination is to meet with someone he likes. For instance, Taylor loves going to school - either the one my youngest son is at or another close by and right next to a large park and reserve. If I tell him we're going to visit lots of kids at the school. He's off like a rocket. Among the things he knows about are parks as well and agility training and neighbour's - so if I tell him we're going to one of these things. He's raring to go and walk the walk.
Perhaps it is a communications thing with Cody. You and him are not in sync.
Exercising your Corgi is perhaps the Number one bestest thing of all between you and him, so its terrible if it is not happening or is not enjoyable or is been cut short. Cody doesn't understand somehow what is expected. So you've got to get it through to him. Another idea, whilst I'm rambling, is group walks. Taylor loves walking with all his family together. It's the herding thing as well as excitement on having all his love ones ensembled. Another form of group walking is a bunch of dogs. That will get Cody going - a group of neighbours with dogs all out for a walk. He won't lag behind and sit or lie amongst that lot - in other words - go out with a friend or friends with their dogs too

[glencorgi]

Linda,

How old is Cody? You might want to do a remedial leash breaking 101. Just attach the leash to his collar and let him drag it around. You can do it for short periods in the house and also while you are outside in the yard with him. Will he follow you around when you are outside with him? IF he does, then when he is walking beside you, dragging the leash - give him some really great "jackpot" treats. These super special ones - bits of chicken, cheese, liver, anything that he really, really likes. This way he'll associate have the leash attached and the weight of it as being a good thing that gets him treats. The next step would be to walk him around the yard with the leash and see how that goes. With young puppies sometimes most of the human time spent walking is done walking backwards holding the leash in one hand and a treat in the other coaxing puppy to come along.

Gentle leaders are useful as a training tool for a dog that pulls. There is an adage in the dog world - "if you control the head, you control the dog." Now a Gentle Leader might help with that, I don't know. You might be able to "try one on him" at your local PetsMart or Petco - they do need to be fitted as I understand it, and see if it made a difference just walking him around the store with it on.

Just keep plugging away and good luck.

Debbie