Dear Adam:
My name is Diane and I have a German Shepherd named Ajax.
I have watched your video over and over again on having your dog come every time you call him. I have done all you have said (believe me, I'm a fan of yours now).
(To read about the videos that she's referring to, please take a look at http://www.dogproblems.com/newvideos/htm)
My problem is Ajax does everything on long lead, well. I try setting him up but he never fails to come. I tried the short leash, tab, etc...
My problem is when I take him off leash, he won't come. He comes close enough tome, then he runs off. Back on lead and over and over we do it again. Day in, day out. He is 19 months old and very smart. I wanted to start for his Companion Dog Title... do the outside ring with him... perfect on leash... but off leash, he bolts.
We did all you said to do. Great video... Wish you were closer. Please help.
Diane
Dear Diane:
I have a very simple solution for you:
#1: You've tried taking the long line off, too soon. And this has made him leash smart. You're going to need to let him wear the long line for several months now - CONSISTENTLY - so that he forgets he's wearing it and you can undo what you've inadvertently taught him. Trust me, after awhile, he'll stop being perfect (and forget that he's wearing the long line) and that's when you'll nail him.
#2: In extreme cases where the owner has taught the dog to be leash smart, I'll put two long lines on the dog, the normal one and a lighter one. I'll go to the dog and take the normal long line off, and guess what? He suddenly thinks he's free and tries to act the fool.
And that's when I know I've got him.
See, it's all about playing mind games with the dog, so that the dog gets convinced that he cannot play MIND GAMES WITH YOU and get away with disobeying you. Once you've convinced the dog that you are the better player, and that you're ALWAYS GOING TO WIN, the dog starts to understand that YOU are the alpha dog in the pack. And then he'll stop challenging you. In addition, you will have created a conditioned response to your commands and your dog will come to you, every time you call. I tried to make this very clear in the video. I think that there are some people who learn better by watching things. Some by hearing the information. And some by reading it.
Let me know if you're still unclear about the concept. I want your dog to work 100% for you.
That's all for now, folks!
Adam
