Teenage dog refusing to recall for dog walker

[mynameisnotmichaelcaine]

DDog is walked by a dog walker four times per week. Walker has walked her since she was allowed out, she's now nearly ten months. This week she has absconded from the dog walker three times. Dog walker phoned tonight and said she thinks she is going to have to walk her on lead. This is better than nothing, but she's a working cocker and loves to run off lead.

It's difficult because for me her recall is very good. She certainly doesn't disappear into bushes or woodland.

If I think she's not listening well, I tend to turn in a different direction and run. She always comes back then. It's difficult for the walker though, because she has other dogs with her. I've also suggested hotdog sausages, which she goes mad for.

Has anyone ever had this issue and do you have any suggestions?

Long line. That way she gets some freedom but knows who's boss!

Mine did the same to my dog walker a few months ago (and she's 2 and had never done it before) .Mine has a high prey drive, saw a deer and went. My poor walker spent 20 mins calling for her and other people said they'd seen a 'dog that looked like a wolf' running past.
Finally she walked back to her car, about half a mile away and there was my dog, sat by the car with a 'what?! I'm here aren't I?' expression on her face!!!

Since then she is on a long line anywhere there is any chance of deer! If yours (like mine) is walked with others a long line is a no brainer til she grows up a bit. Dogs aren't daft and will KNOW the walker can't have her attention on each dog every second!

Sorry to hijack the thread...I'm a bit confused about long lines.

How do you use them without getting tied up in knots?

wheresmymojo I have a long line lead for my 2yo staffy x whippet who's idea of recall is sod you I'm not coming back til I'm ready to... She does just fine on it. She has some freedom and I know she's not going to disappear

We use a long line for a GS cross with a very strong prey drive unless we're somewhere we're certain is safe. Not sure how a dog walker would manage one though if they have a lot of dogs out at the same time?

Has anyone ever had this issue and do you have any suggestions?

Yes, pretty much anyone who's ever had an adolescent dog.

As pp said a long line. If the walker can't manage her on a long line while walking with other dogs she'll have to be on a lead until she's past the awkward stage (the dog, not the walker that is).

A dog with no recall should always be on some sort of lead.

wheresmymojo Just to answer your question, it can be difficult. But you get used to it after a while, you have to learn to sort of reel it in. And it should only be attached to a harness not to the dog's collar so that the dog's neck is not injured by a sudden stop.

Alternatively, depending how big and fast your dog is you can tie knots alone its length and leave it trailing, then stamp on it if dog seems about to bolt; and yes, it will get mucky and covered in mud.

Thanks everyone. Walker is reluctant to use a long line because she takes several dogs out at a time, so I guess she's back on a lead until her recall goes back to how it used to be.

She's had me up since 4am with sickness and diarrhea, so I'll be taking her for a vet check later today. Good job I love her, because it's one worry after another at the moment!

Being out in a group shouldn't stop the walker using a long line - I do small group walks and often have a long line on one dog - it's never been an issue for me, though you do have to watch your ankles

I would actually be very reluctant to walk a group with one dog stuck on a short lead as I can see the dog getting very frustrated about not being able to play and join in with what's going on.

It's a shame she can't be on a long line instead of a short lead, but if you like your walker, at least it's a temporary solution.

I'm a dog walker too, and I use long lines regularly. I guess they can be a pain and get tangled, especially if walking in the woods etc. Does she offer solo walks at all?

Most important thing is that your lil spanner is safe :)

Meanwhile, you can keep working with her! Even though her recall is good with you, there is always something more to do (especially with a Cocker!). My Cocker is nearly 18 months now and I still do recall stuff with him nearly every day. Things that should help tons (if you're not already doing them) -

• Outdoor impulse control (sit-stay while scattering treats, throwing toys, etc.)
• Recall around distractions (use a long line yourself to prevent her from ignoring you, without you having to run in the opposite direction)
• Emergency drop/stop (have her stop instantly when running towards you / away from you)

Also - I hope she feels better soon! Dogs are so stressful haha :D

@wheresmymojo

Sorry to hijack the thread...I'm a bit confused about long lines.

How do you use them without getting tied up in knots?

You don't hold onto it - it trails behind the dog and allows you to grab - or stamp on - the line if the dog isn't returning. It just makes it easier to control a wayward dog and reinforce recall.

teenage working cocker - eek. They need a LOT of work on recall. Even if she's good for you @mynameisnotmichaelcaine you might want to concentrate on random recall and reinforce it.

@Catsrus Thanks. I do put in a lot of work training her but I know it will be a lifelong process.

@wheresmymojo

Sorry to hijack the thread...I'm a bit confused about long lines.

How do you use them without getting tied up in knots?

They just clip on to the harness and trail behind the dog on the floor. They're basically a back-up for dogs who have pretty decent recall but can be a flight risk sometimes - you just stamp on the line and it stops the dog running off.

It may also be a phase she'll grow out of - teenage dogs often become a bit rebellious - definitely needs to be on a lead or long line for now though.