STUBBORN LABARADOODLE

[Jackie Kandarjian]

We love our labradoodle, Quincy, but he can be so stubborn. After being outside for a very long period of time he will not listen to our commands at all. We have an invisible fence around our front yard (a very large area) and it is virtually impossible to get him inside again. We spend hours trying to lure him back inside. He is only 2 and very playful and has tons of energy. We understand that and do play with him, but, what do we do to get him inside again. When we try to grab him he runs the other way so quickly and makes it impossible to catch him. We adopted him about 6 months ago. A young family gave him up and when we got him he had no behavioral training and wasn't neutered. We did both after adopting him. Got him from doodle rescue collective. He did well in school; picked up on his lessons quickly; very smart. Anyone else having this issue and if so would love and appreciate and advice you can offer. Thanks!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

That's funny, as I use "Mamaw's Here" ..... they have now caught on. Our girls are 2 and we have this problem as well. I call them to "come" all the time while they are out playing and give them treats without making them come inside. I use "the magical treat of the moment" when I really want them inside. Sometimes it works, others it doesn't. COME has been the hardest command of all. As everyone says, keep practicing.

[Debbie and Thomas]

Try offering some morsels of chicken weiners to coax him to come in. Works everytime for us. Now I just have to say "weiners" and he comes.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree with Joanne and Adina. Usually it works better, as an interim measure, if you run away from them and then they chase you. Also, much to my surprise, I recently picked up a dog whistle and it has been getting the dogs to come in quickly. I'm sure they may not respond so well after a while but for now it's a pleasure.

[Adina P]

Remember that an obedience class is only to get you started...training is a much more involved process. More classes (so YOU learn) at more and more advanced levels and tons of practice is the only way to get an obedient dog (emphasis on tons of practice). If when he's loose he won't obey...he's not done training.

[Jackie Kandarjian]

Thank you for your advice....we have tried "look who's here" and "daddy's home" because he just adores my husband...but to no avail. Guess we to go back to school or is this just something that will mellow as he ages.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Yes, many of us have this issue. Try going back to the most important command-COME. Start over from scratch. Every day is a training day--not just one class.

Provide his favorite treats at the door. Even this does not make it perfect, but I would not try and grab. It is a game to them.

I also use the words--Look who's here. Spud runs in every time.