Thread: Working dog

I'm pleased it worked for you, but technically when you give the dog a smack when it comes back, you are actually punishing for coming back to you. The best is to chase her down and grab her so she isn't coming to you and then punish. That's one of the reasons I try to set up the dog so it's likely do misbehave, and at the point they are starting to do what they want, and after a load NO, or STAY I will then lob some lemons or potatoes I have on hand to close the distance and let them know you can still reach out and "touch" them. Of course it does help if you have a good arm and aim
the only other way is either with a shock collar and a long lead so the dog thinks it's out of range of you which is the usual time they will play up when they think you can't get them.

Originally Posted by Husky1600

At times my dog Skye can be a pita like that. But she is such a good dog and a great mate that I can tolerate a fair bit. Since she was a pup we have gone for a walk nearly every day and it was on those early walks that she learnt most of the basic's. If we go out to work the cows too early she is sometimes too keen, so I get her to run with the bike for a paddock or 2, helps a lot. But the one command that seems to sort out a heap of problems is the stop command, I cant whistle so its all by voice or hand signals. And she will always stop for a loud "NO" or the hand signal for stop or lie. Get that right, particularly out on those early morning walks, and you should be able to then give the correct command to remedy what was starting to happen.

The boss has a lovely young lab and she cant help herself when she sees a hare or a parry - just takes off and chases them, following her nose for the next 15 minutes or more. This last week the boss was away and I had both dogs to walk each night and morning. The first time she took off I gave a loud NO several times - wasn't listening. When she came back I gave her a bloody good smacked bum. Tried it again, I yelled NO, she stopped, look at the hare, looked at me, looked at the hare and then came back very submissive. We carried on for our walk.
Again yesterday she started after a hare, I yelled NO, she chased for a minute or 2 and then came back right to my side and I praised her for coming back. Next hare, she showed interest, but stopped immediately. Only 2 days of walking and a firm stop command and I think we have it sorted. After that stop command, you have their attention and you can give the command for what you want them to do. Dont leave the training to just on the job, 10 minutes of fun and instruction each day will work wonders.