DeeDee's Question - "Running Away At The Door"

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm starting a discussion for DeeDee's question, because I think this is a better way for her to get some good feedback from our group....

Sheila has a bad habit that has gradually developed over summer. When she wants to come in, she sits by door. But when I open the door, she
backs up and won't come in. Like she wants to entice me to chase her or
play with her. Tonight we had a battle of wills that lasted 3 hrs. She
FINALLY came in when I called her and she had a treat inside the door.
But then she went in laundry room by herself to sleep. I didn't berate
her for NOT coming in. I just called her and we made eye contact and she
would just stand there looking at me. If I make a move toward her she
runs off. This will be really annoying once weather gets cold. Any
suggestions?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Sheila has found a new game to play with Mom....they're great at inventing games. I'm sure others may have better answers, but I'd put her on a long line for a while when she's going outside. If she tried that backing up and running away at the door, you'll be able to grab her and bring her inside. I'd only do the treats and praise if she comes in on her own.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I like Jane's idea best, however there is one more trick you may want to try. Walk or run away. Obviously your dog wants your attention. This works great on the chase game dogs so much like to play.

I run the other way. As I am running I say COME, Spud COME. When Spud comes, of course he gets a big reward. A toy, praise, treats..whatever. Always reward the come no matter how hard the dog makes this game we don't want to play. Turn the game around so the dog is coming to you. You may have to run through your house since this is happening at your door, but do a few laps around the kitchen/living room/hallway.

If you are anticipating this to happen at your door, have treats with you and let your dog know you have them, then run. I agree with Jane, NO treat until the dog has come completely inside.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I second the long line and a high value reward if she comes in willingly. But I also always go outside with my dogs, which makes it easier to teach them to come inside when you do.
Working hard on the recall command will eventually end the problem, but I realize that takes time.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I go outside each time too. Too bad I just put the doggie go out shoes and jacket on the hooks at the backdoor once again :(

[Adina P]

I agree with keeping her on a long line (15-20 foot cotton leash) when she's out but also not letting her out without supervision.

[DeeDee and Sheila]

Darn!!! I KNEW you guys were going to give me the long line answer and I didn't want that answer!!! Sheila's favorite past time that gives her some exercise and me some rest is when I first let her out and she runs the fence line. Over and over. I love to watch her explore the garden, check for squirrels, etc. I've never had a dog that loves the outdoors as much as she does. But you are right, the recall has become an issue IN THE YARD . Her recall is better in the house and in the park off leash, even. You are exactly right Jane. She has invented a game that makes me chase HER.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

A long line wouldn't interfere with her running around and getting some exercise; you don't hold it or attach it to anything but DeeDee. It just makes it easier to get ahold of her if you have to, without having to chase her.

[DeeDee and Sheila]

Yes. I have a line but need a longer one. But the long ones have big hooks on them for big dogs. Have you seen any that have smaller hooks? I'll just have to look around. Good practice for She She and I to go to a couple of petstores!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Any pet supply store should sell a 20 ft (or longer) canvas leash with a regular snap bolt (I assume that's what you mean by "hook"), just like the snap bolt on any ordinary leash. I used them on my 19 lb. poodle.

[Carol Brand]

You can also go to the hardware store, get 40 meters of thin cord and attach your own clasp to the end. But, until she has a reliable recall, she should not go outside without a long line attached. She has learned that she does not have to come and unfortunately she may take that newfound knowledge to the park with her. That could be a major safety issue.

[BG and Gavin]

Gavin was exactly the same way, but has come a long way in this dept. Even the boy next door who lets him out when we are not home commented on how much better he was doing at coming back in the house. We used super high valued treats every time, then treat alternating the odd time with just a praise party, then more praise than treats etc.. He has become quite reliable at home, but at the dog park, he pretty much forgets his name. But we will perservere!