I have a question on training our almost 5 month old pup- we live in a rural area with a secondary highway about a mile away . Our pup is very interested in the highway sounds . On our daily leashed walks I have started to take the pup up to highway to get her used to the sound and sites of vehicles. She doesn't show any fear but seems to want to chase or intercept the oncoming vehicles . My better half says I'm training her to go the highway and if she ever got loose and ventured there herself could end up tragic. I think I'm training her to become accustomed to vehicles so she will eventually learn the proper response. What is the prudent thing to do in this situation?
Hi Marty, and welcome to the forum. In the first instance I would work on getting a really. really good recall. Do you do much off leash work with her at all? As she heads towards adolescence, she may be more interested in her surroundings than as a young pup where her inclination would be to stay close to you. Have a look at the books listed ------> Total Recall is really essential reading and will give you the tools to work towards a reliable recall. http://www.thelabradorsite.com/books-for-labrador-owners/
Thanks Beanwood I'll take a look at the book - I hope to train her as a gun dog (upland and eventually waterfowl) - right now (have had her since 8 weeks) I do some off leash work with her on back trails and side roads to remain within about 30- 50 yards of me on side roads (and of course the fetch game) where there is no traffic or on my property (we live on a northern lake - the ice is fast disappearing) . Nothing too serious yet as I want to nail the basic commands first. If what you mean by "total recall" is unquestioned response to "come" and "stay" not there yet - I get about about a 50% response rate and often I need to wave a treat . This is my second lab after more than a few decades have passed I don't remember my first one being so stubborn.
I agree with your BH that when dogs get loose they tend to go to the places you walk them. Very few dogs learn to be "street smart." No matter how much training I did I would never trust my dog, off leash and me no where around, would behave as I taught them. On leash with me mine stop and sit before we cross the road. Once in a blue moon a dog does get out loose, do they sit and look both ways before crossing? Nope. Heartily agree with strong recall training.
Thanks for the reply Snowshoe I agree with you on the behaviour response for "dogs on the loose" but what about the benefit of exposing the pup to traffic on a leash? I suppose to get the benefit and address the " known walking route" I could "drive" her to experience traffic areas leaving any dog walking trails from the house to safe areas. Methinks that would address both sides of it. Chaulk up another one for the BH. As an aside I'm currently following Richard Wolters boook " Gun Dog" and wondering after reading The Total Recall reviews how the latter technique is any different from a standard consistent command - reward based technique? I'll likely get the book anyway. I see you are in Ontario I,m in Northern Ontario myself so thanks neighbour....
