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honeycup · Feb 3, 2014, 11:31 AM

I have a 2 year old staffy who is usually very good, and in the last 3 months or so has started to get a habit of not listening on some occasions.. there are on and off times where I walk my dog without a lead which isn't the problem because she won't dare look at another dog or go any further then she should but once I get back home to the yard she only sometimes decides to not listen to me when I command her to come inside. Then when I approach her to grab her she either starts to bark or runs around like an idiot. I've tried to fix this problem by praising her with treats, hugs & just plain loving, I do that when she does come when called doing it both inside the house and out with an extended lead and it always works, she doesn't have a problem with me ( or at least id hope not). This is becoming frustrating and to the point I can't trust my dog, that I have to always walk her with a lead but I know she doesn't appreciate it nor do I when I have to stop at every tree.
Basically I don't want to just restrict her but if needed I guess that's what I have to do but are there any other things which I can try to make her understand that I'm her owner and when she is called that she has to come? Please help!!

joypulv · Feb 3, 2014, 11:44 AM

Most of us have dogs who are 'usually very good,' but not always. The dog whisperers you see on TV are spending a LOT of time on training, as well as being very good at training. If your dog is a good dog, be glad, and just spend a little more time on repetitive actions and commands when it's time to go in the house. A simple 'good dog' and pat is all that's needed while actually training, and you can save all hugs for later. Because she balks at going in the house, put her lead on her when you are 2 houses away, and praise her as you enter the house.

Is there any chance that YOU are spending less time outside with her, that you are wearing a little thin on the walks and play time in the yard? Dogs aren't devious or malicious. There's always some simple, straightforward reason for their actions.