This morning didn’t start out all that well. For reasons I won’t bore you with, I was in a foul mood when I got up. Today was the Red Sox make-up game from the rain out in May; and I had plans to walk the dogs early and throw together a meal in the crock pot before heading out.
Autumn has shoved Summer out early this year so the air was clear and crisp, the field wet with dew and our breath hung in the sweet Autumn air. I started in the field attempting to engage the dogs in a game of fetch in hopes of completing K-9 Kamp’s week two challenge. The dogs had other ideas so we headed off into the woods.
I had carrots and cheese in my bag and Delilah was returning every time I called and even checking back when I didn’t. I made the mistake of letting her off the leash. If your unclear about dogs and mistakes, check out Pamela’s explanation over at Something Wagging This Way Comes.
We got to the hinky area where Delilah likes to take off and Sampson saw a chipmunk or squirrel and started off into the woods to chase it and Delilah followed and kept right on going.
I called her and she kept running, I called Sampson and he and I turned around and ran in the other direction. I was so upset with myself and with Delilah that I cried. I cried the entire time I walked through the woods, into the field and back up the main path. I stopped to call and whistle for Delilah, I thought I heard the tinkle of her collar and I waited. Eventually I heard her crashing through the woods and she finally caught up to us. I gave her a treat (because she did come back to me) but then I clipped her on the leash and we went home.
I am so frustrated with her right now and I don’t know what to do. I’ve been working with her on sitting at the edge of the kitchen while we are working in there and she still keeps getting up! Sampson just sits or lies where he is supposed to and I make sure to give him treats as he waits, she Just. Doesn’t. Get. It. Finally I shouted “Don’t move!” And she didn’t.
I give up. I don’t know what to do anymore. Anybody want a chocolate lab?
I'm really not THAT much trouble.
LOL I know there is no way you would give up that girl dog!
Each dog is different and some dogs just have more train-ability than others, or lean things in a different way. Thunder takes longer than Storm to learn things, but once he has the concept, it sticks with him. Storm picks up things very quickly, but you will be re-teaching her the concepts every few weeks, (like “stay” at a hunt test :)). They are each different so we try not to compare and try to train each one in a way that is effective for them. Our trainer is very helpful with this and in our case breaking down what and how to teach each dog so they understand and then how to review and retrain in a way that is fun for them. It may be that you need to consult an experienced trainer for some tips. (And leave that check cord on for at least the next several months and then off only short times until you are sure she is solid on the recall. :)) Don’t be frustrated. You have done so much with both of them.
Thank you sweetie, I appreciate it. I really think I could have given her up this morning. I will find something that works, I just had a bad morning. 🙂
I know how frustrating it can be, but I think you may have hit the mark when you said “I shouted “Don’t move!” And she didn’t.”
Every dog is different and some just need a bit firmer hand than others and perhaps Delilah is that one.
I know with my girls I have to get firm sometimes with different things and they really can read the tone of your voice. I am a firm believer in giving a command not a request, do they always listen well heck no but when I change my voice to a very firm demanding tone they are more responsive and they still respect and love me 🙂
I remember reading one of your posts a while ago that 2 Brown Dawgs commented on and said something like gentle teaching does not work with every dog just as firm teaching may not work with every dog (forgive me if I don’t have the exact wording correct she used). That is such a true statement, I think training has to be tailored to each dogs needs and what works to get the response you want.
Don’t give up just try something different!
Misty Shores is right, the recall command can’t be a request but a “must”. That is why the check cord is helpful. If Delilah doesn’t come, at least you have a way to make her come, (reel her back in).
Good luck!
And don’t think I haven’t! LOL
aw… hang in there.
every single walk is a set back for our Kiba. I get so frustrated I think about screaming.
I have to believe there is a reason, somehow we’re learning while we try to teach them. I’d LOVE to know the purpose of Kiba’s raising my blood pressure 🙂
Oh…you’re not alone! I think we all have those moments.
I still feel huge relief every time an older, better trainer than I reminds me that management is an acceptable solution to many training quandaries.
Delilah did come back, and that’s so wonderful. Think of all the other things she could have done! You are clearly doing an incredible job, and she will just keep on getting better.
You are all so kind, really. I do appreciate it, I just am frustrated because I don’t want to be the person yelling at their dog. 🙁 It’s just not me. She may just be on leash for the rest of her life.
Misty, I keep checking but no puppies or are you holding out?
Still waiting, waiting, waiting! Just as soon as she starts having them I will be posting updates. She is taking her sweet time 😉
I have these kinds of days with Hurley all the time. One where I’m hanging my head almost ready to give up. But keep with it! They are learning, even if they don’t always show it. And you are most definitely not alone in having these types of days.
Thank you, I appreciate your kind words. It helps to know you are all here listening and responding.
Some great advice in the comments you received. Hang on in there!
Thank you, some days are more challenging than others.
Delilah will come around. Sometimes just natural maturing will do it. Keep the faith!
Delilah will come around. Sometimes just natural maturing will take hold. Keep the faith!
Big Al, she’s going to be six!!! When will she mature?
I’m sorry. I wish I had some wise words or answers for you but all I have is empathy. Oliver has run off on me so many times and scared me so much that he’s never allowed off the leash anymore. It breaks my heart because he dearly loves to chase squirrels and other critters. I really feel like I’m damaging him by reigning him in all the time but I just couldn’t bear it if he got hit by a car.
I’m sorry you had such a bad day. I hope tomorrow is better.
That is exactly right! Sampson is running free and she has to be on a leash and I don’t get why she doesn’t get it? OHHHHHHH dogs!!! Maybe I should have just gotten a cat.
If at furst you don’t succeed… try try again.
Oh Frankie, aren’t you sweet. You actually think she is redeemable.
Jodi – I too have a lab – a black lab. She’s taken to eating everything – from iPods to bags of sugar. Frustration runs high sometimes. But, then she’s the most wonderful dog in the world (after I get her messes cleaned up!) and I think, oh I love her. Those labs!!
Jodi – it’s Amy Austin… I will create a username on here so you know it’s me from now on. 🙂
Well hello Amy and welcome to my blog; thank you for stopping by!
I can agree with you on the frustration one minute and loving them the next! I was watching her watching me getting ready for work this morning and she looked so sweet; I had to stop and give her a kiss.
I’ve had those days too! the ones where it JUST DOESN’T WORK. It’s frustrating as hell and easy to convince yourself that you’re failing at life, the universe, and dog training. But you’re not failing at all, no worries, and it’ll get better 🙂
Thanks Lexy, I’m sure Gwynn is the model Canine Citizen and has never caused you to look like the crazy lady talking to her dog. 🙂
i completely understand how you feel. we have days with desmond where he just has no interest in doing what we want him to. it can be extremely frustrating and we often think we must have just no clue what the heck we’re doing. everything’s a learning process. try not to get down on yourself for it. good luck!
I’m counting on you to share your training tips Lauren. I totally feel your frustration~
I’m sorry you had such a rough morning. I have had some similar situations with Sophie in the past. The long lead is a life saver. I have on occasion, with the help of a trainer used an e-collar but in vibrate mode (I know that is controversial but I figure a slight vibrate is better than her getting hurt). I have never moved out of pager/vibrate mode because she responds very quickly to the page. Once more, I know that is controversial and does not work for everyone but I thought I would throw that out there.
I also always carry cheese if Sophie is off leash. Cheese makes her world go round.
Patty, I am not opposed to the vibrate/beep mode on an e-collar. I had an inexpensive vibrating collar but it was not reliable, so I am saving up for a better one. I would much prefer to beep or vibrate her to get her attention.
I had cheese and it is high value for her, but not as appealing apparently as the cat poop. :=(
Jodi I was thinking about my comment from yesterday and think I may have given the wrong impression about firmness, I in know way meant you should yell at Delilah. We all get frustrated and yell at them at times, so don’t feel bad or beat yourself up about it, we are only human after all contrary to what our dogs think 😉 but generally what I mean is getting that deep, I mean business voice, I call it my growly voice 🙂 Kind of hard to put in words but my girls know I mean business when I speak in that tone.
Good luck and I know Delilah will come around, sometimes it just takes longer for some!
Thanks Misty, I have a very girly voice and it is hard for me to get that growl you speak of, I normally handle it all fairly well, just on occasion she gets me down. Thank you for clarifying.
Yes, we can all relate to your frustration. I once attended a talk by a professional dog behaviorist who talked about walking her dog off leash when she took off after a deer. The speaker said she just sat down and cried for two hours while she waited for her dog to return. There was no way she could track her in the wilderness. And yes, she did come back.
I wonder if it’s possible for all dogs to be trustworthy off leash in all circumstances. After all, guide dogs have the best breeding and training in the world. But some of them wash out and are not able to do the work they’re supposed to do. If it were just a matter of good training, you’d never have a guide dog flunk out.
So keep working with Delilah. And using a long training lead is a good idea. And also practicing in a fenced area. But she might not be capable of being 100% trustworthy off leash no matter how much you want it.
Be kind to yourself. You’re doing the best you can. And so is Delilah.
Thanks Pamela, that was the longest she had ever been gone from me, I had actually thought about going home and if I had planned on being home I might have. Since I was going to be gone all day I didn’t want to chance it.
I think you are right that even the most reliable dogs can still slip up. I remember one time a lady came into the park with about six dogs and Sampson took off with that pack. We called him and he kept running, I was stunned because he IS a well trained dog.
I think she will stay on that training lead for a good long time. 🙂
Jen would NEVER allow me off-leash. I know some people have Malamutes that mind well. I never have, and Jen can’t handle the stress and frustration of trying to train me like that. I don’t know what to tell you. Jen says she does what she can live with.
Rumpydog, I just don’t understand why you guys do this to us! I know Jen loves you so much and so she has to do what is best for you and she does. And I will for Delilah too. Thanks for commenting.
We all make mistakes from time to time and regret them later, so don’t be too hard on yourself. And my Lab, Toby, has never been, and will probably never be, trustworthy off leash. He is a great dog, and can do lots of things, but coming when called is just not one of them. I used to blame myself, and tell myself I’m a terrible trainer, but I have TRIED everything. He is a dog with his own agenda, and I’ve grown to accept that this is just who he is. Now, I only allow him off leash in safe, fenced areas – and now I no longer need to stress over him running off. I’m sorry you had such a frustrating day. Labs…they have awesome temperaments, but some of them are just plain difficult. Sorry that yours is one of those…I totally understand.
Thanks Donna, I know how hard you work with your dogs and I appreciate the support.If I cannot get her reliable off leash then she will drag leash and I will be ok with that. Or I will find a really LONG leash! LOL
There are lessons to be learned from our dogs and I am determined to learn them.