Pet ownership can be frustrating sometimes, you aren't alone! If you'd like to let us know what your main frustration points are, hopefully we'll be able to offer a hand
I have a lovely 10 month old lab called Bear. No real issues other than leash pulling but we are working on that. Up until now recall has been pretty good, yesterday however, he picked up the scent of a deer and he was off. He completely ignored me, and even ran through a hedge and across a road. Fortunately we live in an area which is rural but a car could have been coming at that point. On our walk this morning in a totally different area, it happened again. Nose to the ground, no sign of deer (though where we live they are everywhere), and off he went. He did come back a few minutes later but should I now start putting him on a lead. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Goodness, how scary for you. Yes, I would stick to keeping him on a lead unless he's in an enclosed area, for now. It sounds like he is at risk of having (and causing) a serious accident otherwise. This must be so frustrating for you. But I would go back to basics and build your recall back up carefully, introducing distractions a little at a time, and using a long line when you do. (Pippa's book 'Total Recall' has step by step instructions for how to proof against distractions if you'd like detailed support ). And in the meantime I would also teach him an emergency recall, aka a 'magic word' - so that you have a back up, too.
Ah thank you Lucy, I have just ordered Pippa's book along with a long line. I'm so pleased I found this forum, its great.
