Hello Savannah, First, start working on a reliable Come. Check out the Reel In method from the article linked below. Reel In method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-whippet-to-recall More Come - pay attention to the PreMack Principle and long leash training sections especially once pup has learned what Come initially means. These need to be practiced around all types of distractions like dogs and kids at the park to ensure pup is reliable before attempting true off leash. https://www.petful.com/behaviors/train-dog-to-come-when-called/ Another activity you can practice is walking around places like your yard or a field with pup on the long training leash and changing directions frequently without saying anything. Whenever he takes notice (at first because the leash finally tugs, but later just because you moved), then toss a treat at him for looking your way or coming over to you - without calling him; this encourages him to choose to pay attention to where you are and associate your presence with good things on his own, so he will want to be with you. I would also tell pup "Inside" when its time to go in and have a small bowl of treats near the door you go outside through out of pup's reach, so when pup gets back inside you can give pup a small treat each time - so pup associates having to go back inside with something good if pup is bolting to avoid having to go inside. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

April 5, 2022

Hello Connor, I recommend looking into the Halo collar, which is like an invisible fence but instead of burying wire it uses GPS mapping that you set on the app, so it's just a collar and phone app. While young, I would keep pup fenced or with you to encourage pup to stay within the boundaries on voice command. You can use this using a long training leash, commanding Out when pup approaches a boundary and rewarding pup when they move back inside the boundary. While away you will want something like Halo for a young dog. Some dogs who naturally roam less will choose to stay closer to home after being trained and the boundary enforced while young once older, and need less enforcement. That depends a lot on the level of consistency about the boundary early on and their natural disposition and whether they are neutered once old enough, since an intact male will naturally roam in search of a female in heat. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

March 14, 2022

Hello Rhonda, First, under what circumstances is she running away? Do you have a fence she is escaping, a gate she is getting through, a door she is bolting through, pulling the leash out of your hand, ect...? This might be partially a management need if you don't have a fence and pup is leaving your property due to that. If pup is pulling the leash out of your hands, I would start by introducing a tool that helps prevent her from over powering you, such as a properly fitted and used prong collar, front clip no-pull harness, or gentle leader. With the tool for pulling, I would also practice the Turns method from the article I have linked below, starting in your own yard first. Turns method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-poodle-to-heel If pup is door bolting, there is a protocol you can practice utilizing a long training leash back tied to something secure and strong inside, to practice door manners with. Usually just closing the door when pup tries to go through, blocking pup's way (if aggression isn't also an issue), and walking toward pup to get them to back up and respect that boundary, rewarding pup waiting back from the door when it's open (with that long leash attached to pup for safety in case). Usually if this protocol is practiced often and gradually worked up to, this alone can be enough to teach door boundaries, then whenever you take pup out, you tell pup "Okay!" or "Free" as you cross that threshold with pup on leash, so pup learns they should only cross with permission. If the above still isn't enough, you can proof the training toward the end of the process utilizing a remote collar on pup's working level. I would hire professional help with experience doing so, to help with this part of the training if you find it needed as well. A similar process can be done for gates if pup is bolting through gates whenever opened. If pup is escaping physical fencing, like climbing, I would check into something like Halo or invisible fencing, placed two feet inside the original fence, to teach pup to avoid the fence line completely, to stop any climbing or digging attempts. Regardless of what's happening I would teach pup a reliable Come though. https://www.petful.com/behaviors/train-dog-to-come-when-called/ Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Feb. 21, 2022