Basic Dog Training Commands - Disobedient Dachshund/Terrier mix

This question and answer covers some basic dog training commands and how to train a Dachshund Terrier Mix breed

My dog knows "come' and "stay." I trained him with treats, but he only obeys when he feels like it. He has a habit of shooting out the door if no one is paying attention and then he runs down the street. I call him but he acts oblivious to me and only comes when he gets good and ready. I hate to reward him for coming at a time like this, because it seems like rewarding him for getting out and taking off and then ignoring me. I've never had a dog like this before. My last dog would stop in her tracks when I called, no matter what she was chasing. I don't know what it is about running down the street that he likes so much. He has a large yard to play in, toys, lots of squirrels to chase and passers-by to bark at and we have another dog to keep him company when we're not there. He just loves to run down the street and check out everybody else's yard.

He's very, very affectionate and loves to cuddle, which I love, but this problem makes me so angry with him. Oh, and when he's angry with us, he gets destructive. We used to let them lick the plates after supper, but once we didn't and when my husband and I took a walk after supper, he pooped in the house and chewed up some irreplaceable photos. He climbs on the table and gets into anything that may have been left there even though he knows better. He just doesn't care. I know you're not supposed to use the crate for punishment, but that's what I do. I don't know what else to do. He's just going to do whatever his pea brain thinks up, damn the consequences. The only other thing I know to do is install an invisible fence, but we can't afford that. As fast as he moves, it probably wouldn't work anyway. What about a shock collar? I would hate to do that, but it's only a matter of time before his luck runs out and he runs into the lab across the street who hates little dogs.

Hi we always like to say a big thanks to or contributers as it helps to grow our site and share our love of everything to do with dogs so a big thanks to you. Its always difficult if your dog is running off before you can catch him.

I would advise that you start using a little technique to persuade your dog that whatever is happening with you is far more interesting than what is happening down the road. Use a long retractable leash to retrain the 'Come' command and ask a friend to bring some dogs and 'accidentally' bump in to you when you are out walking your dog - this is a fantastic method that we recently helped out another reader with.

1. Take your dog out for a walk on the long leash - don't use the old 'Come' command that you previously used as your dog has associated ignoring it with running off to something more interesting.
2. Let your dog walk on the leash and extend it to its full length - now wait for your dog to look at you and then use a new 'come command'. It might take a few attempts but when your dog comes give him lots of praise and and of course some treats.
3. Now you need to speak to a friend with some dogs and ask them to walk at the same time and 'bump' in to you.
4. Your dog should still be on the retractable leash - he will of course want to run after the dogs (but you won't let him and he can't because of the leash). As soon as he goes to the full extension of the leash and notices the dogs (they need to be close enough for your dog to of course see them but not so close that they can have contact) use the the new 'come command' and wait for your dog to come to you - this may even be more difficult due to the attention grabbing dogs that have turned up. Keep using the 'come' command and your dog will eventually come. When he does give him lots of praise and some treats. You will need to practice this regularly until your dog gets it.
5. Keep practice sessions short so that your dog won't get bored and easily distracted - its more fun too.

The next obedience training method is called 'Focus Attention Obedience Training' - this is highly effective and often used to stop dogs that find other dogs, objects or even people more interesting. So here it is...

1. Attach a leash to your dog and have some treats in your hand.
2. Call your dogs name and move. Don't let your dog see the treat as he needs to keep his attention on you.
3. As soon as you move and your dog moves with you look at your dogs eyes and old a treat at eye level between you and your dog
4. Give your dog the treat
5. And lots of praise - practice in stages with five sessions each.

We really advocate the use of dog training classes as they are a great way to get one on one training so that behavioral problems can be corrected the moment that they happen. Training classes are a great way to ask other owners questions and find out how they cured similar problems.

I am not sure how old your dog is but if he is of a certain age then behavioral problems and challenging behavior can start to develop - basically your dog will start to test the boundaries and test your status - this is when you need to reinforce that YOU are in charge and it is not your dog who is the leader. This involves never letting your dog on the furniture and always eating before your dog. Your dog should allow you to take his food whenever you choose and to sit when you ask your dog to sit. Remember that the Crate should not be used a punishment but as a training tool - a place where your dog is happy to go.

Common Behavioral Problems for a Six Month Old Puppy

1. Your dog may start to become overly excitable
2. May start to ignore you when you are out for a walk
3. Your dog may start to fight with other dogs and show aggressive behavior to other dogs
4. Your dog may start to scent mark
5. Your dog may start to challenge your authority
6. Your pooch may start to become unruly

Again I am not sure how old your dog is but there are some pros and cons to having your dog neutered.

The positive aspects can include...

1. Decrease in aggressive behavior
2. Your dog may become calmer and more obedient
3. It can eliminate the risk of testicular cancer
4. It can stop your dog mounting other dogs

Anyway hope this helps

Hope this helps

More Basic Dog Training Commands and Dog Obedience Training Online Guide