if your dog takes off what do u do

Hi buckiebilly

I am extremely lucky, as my dogs were quite easy to train to recall, but not all dogs are easy. Nor are all dogs food-motivated, or respond to whistles (silent or otherwise!), or clickers. I know I could be holding a big roast ham in front of my Ronnie, and she STILL would not get off the couch!! But if I pick up her favourite tug-toy, she's off in a flash!! If I put the ham in front of my Elfin, she would do anything I asked, but she ignores the tug-toy. My Bernard just comes back because he wants to... no food, no toy, nothing! Dogs are individuals, as are you. What works for one dog may not work for another.

I think you should take Fern to professional obedience classes (if you have not already done so) if she is proving difficult to train.

They will teach you how to teach her, and they will help you work out the method she best reponds to.

All the best,

Nat

Hi first of all well said nat what works for one might not work for all you just have to persevere and find what works best for your hound

Ours are great 9 times out of 10 and getting better but occasionially Mack can spot something far away and it takes him no time at all to gallop over and investigate leaving us miles aways.

If possible obedience training is a good stepping stone. You will learn a lot about the best methods and find what works for you. Obedience is also a great way for socialising your dog with others. It will make it easier for you Just don't expect a robot. Sighthounds just don't do that

I think MrsMc is spot on. Deerhounds are usually absolutely fine and they are happy to be with you and stay around on a walk. However, if they see something they go. Therefore, half of the 'battle' re keeping them with you is to keep a look out on the horizon/round the corner and spot anything ahead of your dog. That way you can give a strong command - whistle or voice - whatever works for you before your dog gets into full stride. You've got much more chance of success then in terms of getting them back.

However, I agree with Brochallan deerhounds are not robots / border collie obedience junkies! Therefore, you do need to be more careful where you let your deerhound off lead. I like to know what's in the general vicinity before I let the deerhound(s) off. I certainly am slower to let her off in an area compared with our lurchers. But working on obedience in a class environment can only help. Elise

Our Lurcher was Deerhound/Greyhound/COLLIE, Collie being the operative word, never had a lead on in public, never chased anything in parks, stayed by my side, but the most amazing hunter, he certainly filled the pot!

Elise is 100% correct. I only ever let Murphy off in places I go to regularly, he stays on lead if we go anywhere different until I have checked it out. At the golf course, I let him off by the 9th, I can see all around and yes if he looks like he is about to shoot off, I can usually shout him to stop, but once he has gone, no point in even trying. These Deerhounds don't half give you some heart stopping moments!! what a shame someone didn't put a bit of collie brain in there long ago!