So all the progress we made last week, when I actually started really
enjoying the walks, has completely gone out the window. No matter how much I run frantically away like a complete loon squeaking his tennis ball, calling him or whistling, nothing works now. He looks up and as I encourage him towards me by running, squeaking his ball & throwing it, showing him the treats, and whistling, he looks back at the other dog and runs off with it. This is getting so embarrassing now
I hate it that my training isn't working. In the house he comes
immediately to my whistle and name-call, and each time he does so I reward him with a treat or a game of tug. In an empty field he will also come immediately when I start running/whistling/calling him.
I cannot possibly make myself anymore fun than another dog is to him
Last week even mid-play with two young bitches he came as soon as I started to walk off and whistled and called. We had some really lovely walks, meeting loads of other dogs but he still would always come when I called. Each time he did as was asked I treated with a piece of tasty ham/cheese, sparked up a game of chase, and threw his ball for him to fetch. But none of that is working now
yesterday he was playing with a jack russell, then the owner had to go so called his dog and off they both trotted together... with Zach being a nuisance following them!! I finally got his attention and he came to me, I did not show him I was annoyed, I carried on running and threw his ball.. then the next minute he disappeared and ran like hell to get back to the jack russell.
This is really getting me down, I know it sounds stupid but I just feel like such a failure, every other dog owner in the park has perfect recall, even puppies younger than him. I just cant enjoy my time with him. As suggested by a few people I have kept him on lead - this just doesnt wear him out enough and I feel so mean, he usually really enjoys his walks. Today I tried the long line - doesnt work, just tangles him up and he chokes himself trying to get to the other dogs. When I call and tug the line he just lays down in protest, hes getting so stubborn.
help?
Ps. How long did it take you to teach your dogs perfect recall?