Training Tia the Norwegian Elkhound not to bolt

It's only been 24 hours since Tia has left the pound. After spending the past two years in her former owner's garage, Tia needs a lot of training.

The first issue we need to work on is Tia wanting to bolt every time she is off lead. It almost seems as if her prior owners had her cooped up so long, when she did get out she just wanted to run. It is possible she was punished and put back into confinement once she was caught. We need to teach her coming when off lead is a good thing. When she comes to us she is not going to be in trouble, she is not going to be locked up and left alone again.

We take Tia down to our dog pen, close the gate, and unsnap her lead. She runs around smelling everything in sight. After a few minutes I call her. She runs from me. Instead of chasing her I walk in her direction with my arm pointing towards her, as if there is a force field attached to it zoning in on her. It only takes a minute or less for Tia to lower her head and lie down. She was submitting. To Tia's surprise, I gave her a body massage from head to tail, then turned and walked away from her. Tia just stood there looking at me. I waited a bit and called her to me again. I could see her mind going back and forth. The habit of running away was in her, and for a second it looked like that was what she was going to do. However, she walked up to me with her head low and I once again massaged her body and walked away. We all practiced this for a while. We were teaching Tia coming to us was a rewarding thing.

We take Tia into the goat field and unsnap her leash to see what she will do in a wide open field. We have a big pack with us, 6 humans, 3 dogs including Tia. We start to walk hoping Tia will follow.

However Tia does not follow, she bolts. Chases the goats. We run after her. It takes a few minutes to corner her, and Tia lowers her head and lays down submitting to us.

Amie snaps Tia's leash on and walks her up to see the goats. Tia we have a huge fenced area here for you to run in, however, you cannot come in here and chase things.

When Amie gets closer to the goats she takes off the leash and makes her sit down.

Tia is very interested. She wants to chase them again, however Amie gives her a verble correction along with a touch to her neck. "Hey!"

Tia lays down realizing she is not allowed to chase the goats.

The goats are very curious about her. Tia decides to ignore them, checking out their droppings instead. We begin to walk and Tia seems to be following us. Just when we think all is going well Tia spots the guinea fowl and off she goes! She runs back down the hill full speed.

We catch up with Tia at the gate entrance where she lays down and allows us to snap on her leash. Tia, time to go and visit the birds.

There are guineas and chickens down the hill, each and every time Tia decides to fixate on them Amie gives a correction. Tia turns her head and decides to stop looking (avoidance).

Amie walks closer and Tia does a good job ignoring them.

Amie takes her into the coop to visit Wendy the turkey. At first Tia fixated her eyes on the turkey. Amie gives a correction. A short fast tug of the lead as she points using her body language to communicate to Tia that was not an acceptable behavior.

Time to try our off leash pack walk again. All the humans pass through the gate and the dogs are told to wait.

Once inside the field we decide to start walking in the opposite direction in hopes Tia will learn to follow. We all walk and everyone is instructed to not speak to Tia. To keep on moving, keep walking as if we have some place to go. As we are walking Amie reaches down and unsnaps Tia's lead.

This time, instead of bolting in the opposite direction Tia follows her new pack!

On all of the skinnier paths Amie does not allow the dogs to pass her. Wherever the trail opens up to fields Amie allows the dogs to run their hearts out. The open field connects to another path, and the dogs pass the path. We humans turn down the path. Instead of calling Tia's name we give a general whistle. Bruno stops in his tracks and turns to go down the path the humans have just turned down. We all keep walking, keeping our fingers crossed that Tia will follow. We feel like cheering when she too stops in her tracks, turns around and once again follows her pack. A few more times we turned down paths the dogs have passed and each time Tia turns around and follows us. Tia has learned to follow! We will have this bolting issue under control in no time at all.

When our walk inside the goat field is over Amie calls Tia to her. Tia comes. What a good girl.

A couple of days later Tia comes over for another run in the goat field.

Wait for me Bruno!

Rescuing Tia the Elkhound from a SPCA

Training Tia the Elkhound Not to Bolt

Teaching Tia the Elkhound being Submissive is Rewarding

Tia out on a Pack Walk

Transforming Tia a Rescue Dog Main

Successfully Adopting a Rescue Dog

Bruno the Boxer Helps Maggie

DNA Canine Breed Identification

SPCA (Society For The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) (Read these stories)

Looking for a dog? Please consider a rescue dog!

We strongly suggest Cesar Millan DVD's and or Cesar Millan Books to every dog owner, from Chihuahua to Pit Bull. An excellent guide to communicating with, understanding, and controlling your dog.

 

 

 

© Dog Breed Info Center® All Rights Reserved

_____________________________

The Human Dog Why did my dog do that? Proper way to walk a dog Dogs and Human Emotions Speaking Dog Why dogs must be followers FAQ about dogs Small Dogs vs. Medium and Large Dogs Separation Anxiety in Dogs Dominant Behaviors in Dogs The Submissive Dog Successfully Adopting a Rescue Dog Top Dog Establishing and Keeping Alpha Position Alpha Boot Camp for Dogs Guarding Furniture Stopping a Jumping Dog Submissive Peeing Protecting Your Puppy from Dog Attacks An Alpha Dog Chaining Dogs SPCA High Kill Shelter A Senseless Death, a misunderstood dog Amazing what a little leadership can do Transforming a Rescue Dog DNA Canine Breed Identification Raising a Puppy Puppy Temperaments A Dog Fight - Understanding your Pack Understanding your puppy or dog Run away dog Socializing your dog Should I get a Second Dog Is your dog out of control? Nothing in life is free Illusion Dog Training Collar Top Dog Photos Housebreaking Training your puppy or dog Puppy Biting Deaf Dogs Are You Ready for a Dog? Breeders vs. Rescues Find the Perfect Dog Caught in the Act The Gangs All Here

Home

 All Breeds >   Purebreds >   Hybrid Dog Info >   Find the Perfect Dog >   Pets >   All Creatures >   Care Training+ >   Photos >   Submit a Picture >   Free Desktop Wallpaper >   Adopt a Rescue Dog >   List Your Rescue >   Puppies for Sale >   Find a Breeder >   Classified Ads >   Place An Ad >   About the Ads >   Spike the Bulldog >   Maguire Farm >   Dog Products >   Link to DBI >   Scam Warning >    Contact Us >   Login >   Site Updates

Advertising

Advertise on DBI >   Advertising Rates >   Advertising Help >   Place a Banner on DBI >   DBI Advertiser Policy >   Media Coverage >   Advertiser Comments >   DBI Traffic >   Classifieds/Breeders >   Place an Ad >   Login

Custom Search

The Material contained herein may not be reproduced without the prior written approval of the author. (C) 1998-2009 All Rights Reserved