Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I adopted a 2 year old Border Collie/Australian Shepherd mix one week ago today and so far things are going really well, if I don't count in the 4 screens she tore up. I'm assuming that while we were gone doing errands, she saw or heard something outside and wanted to investigate. I can have the screens repaired and have secured the windows, so we're living with that!

My questions is that although she is VERY interested in seeing and chasing all squirrels, rabbits and wants to prevent all other dogs from moving outside "their designated area", when we're in the house, she's just completely relaxed. She doesn't want to play with toys, she doesn't want to do anything other than curl up on my lap and sleep.

I'm hoping this is because we just got her last week and she's still adjusting to her new surroundings. She's really smart and I taught her "sit", "shake" and "down" yesterday and we practiced those commands again today with zero problems. I want to work with her on coming when called so that she can take advantage of the large park we have about a block away from our home and not have to keep her on leash. I realize that the best way to teach her to come is with a couple people, one holding the leash and the other calling and so on, but any tips anyone here can give me would be appreciated!

Happy Holidays and thanks in advance for the suggestions!

Mary

>>Hello,
>>
>>I adopted a 2 year old Border Collie/Australian Shepherd mix one week ago today and so far things are going really well, if I don't count in the 4 screens she tore up. I'm assuming that while we were gone doing errands, she saw or heard something outside and wanted to investigate. I can have the screens repaired and have secured the windows, so we're living with that!
>>
>>My questions is that although she is VERY interested in seeing and chasing all squirrels, rabbits and wants to prevent all other dogs from moving outside "their designated area", when we're in the house, she's just completely relaxed. She doesn't want to play with toys, she doesn't want to do anything other than curl up on my lap and sleep.
>>
>>I'm hoping this is because we just got her last week and she's still adjusting to her new surroundings. She's really smart and I taught her "sit", "shake" and "down" yesterday and we practiced those commands again today with zero problems. I want to work with her on coming when called so that she can take advantage of the large park we have about a block away from our home and not have to keep her on leash. I realize that the best way to teach her to come is with a couple people, one holding the leash and the other calling and so on, but any tips anyone here can give me would be appreciated!
>>
>>Happy Holidays and thanks in advance for the suggestions!
>>
>>Mary

>>>>>>>>>>>

You can and should teach a puppy to come when called, but you will have to train this again when the puppy gets into adolescence. Their thinking changes at this time, and training needs to be done over and taken further. If the park is not fenced, I wouldn't use it until she has that second, adolescent recall.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com