How much independence is ok in a puppy?

[spritemk3]

Hi,

Been posting quite a bit lately, mostly about diet, but now I have another concern. I know, I know, hypochondriac.... How much independence is ok when you pup is off leash in your yard? We live on 8 1/2 fenced acres ,and the interior 2 are also fenced (albeit with barbed wire, which she can go under right now). When she has done her business and is off leash, she enjoys wandering off. She knows her name, and have been working on "Here" etc, but the only time I can almost (that being the imperative word) consistently get her to come is "Touch". She tries and will wander off by herself if I turn my head for a minute. I'm constantly on the lookout for deer (we have some very protective does who do not hesititate to attack dogs) and I'm afraid she's going to get stomped. But, she hangs with me inside, always near or on, but outside....sigh. Is this all a manner of obedience? I can't put her in a class til she's finished her shots. Thoughts? Ideas? HELP!!!! I hate to keep her on a leash, because I want her to run and play. There has to be a happy medium somewhere. At times when I call her she'll just sit and look at me, like "what do you want Dumb Ass?" Really??

 

[Milton Meathead]

Not sure if I can help you out. My Neo sticks right by my side everywhere I go outside or inside so I have no idea but IMO, if your worried about her going off and possibly running in to dear, then maybe best to keep her on a looong lead so that she can snoop around while your outside and you know where she is at all times.

 

[smurrayesq]

I kept my Neo puppy on a 25 foot long nylon leash until she was older. It isn't worth the risk to let them wander when they are so little and able to get under a fence. You will need to work with her every day, once you start her obedience class. When they are older, they won't want to leave your side. I also live on a large property and have a GPS tracker on her collar, so if she does disappear, I can locate her by using my cell phone. There are a number of companies that offer the trackers.

 

[spritemk3]

Great idea. May have to do that. Right now she thinks she's a lab because of her 9 yr old big sister. Follows her everywhere which means where Kizmet follows her nose, there goes Baci. She even tries to retrieve dummies. I'll need to get a picture of that. A Neo retriever. That may be a first. lol. Will keep her on a check cord, continue working on "here" and "touch" until I can get her in obedience. Thanks for the insight. Will check into the GPS trackers.

 

[Jeri]

And as far as that "sitting and looking at you like, what?" Yeah, Camo does that to me when he doesn't want to come in from outside. But as soon as I take two steps to go get him, he barrels for the door. Such a smartass!

 

[DDSK]

I think it is time for you to teach the "forced Come"
This is something I taught to our 3 YO CC Zoey and I'm working on with the 12 week old Abby.
A 50 foot piece of 5/16 nylon cord with a snap to attach to the collar.
You let them get out away from you and call them, you basically reel them in like a mackeral and when they get to you lots of praise and treats.

 

[spritemk3]

We do try to do that, but she "speedbumps". At over 40#, it's like trying to reel in a car. lol We start obedience next week, I'm hoping that will help. ray: