boxer obedience

Question
MY boxer is 12 months she is great in the house sit, down, commands ect no problem but when we are out and I let her off the lead she will not come back and as soon as you get near she runs off and once she sees another dog you do not have a hope in hell of her coming back to you it is driving me mad I have tried treats ect but nothing works.

Answer
Hi Jackie,

There is a vast difference in obeying commands in the house and obeying commands with distractions.

You are in danger of forming some very bad habits with her.  If she does not have a reliable recall she should not be permitted off lead...period.  She's running because you're turning it into a game by chasing her (whether you're walking or running).

Invest in a long line (lead) and keep her on it.  Let her get to the end of the lead, call her to you, happily, and reel her in if she doesn't come on her own.  When she gets to you, put her in a sit, grab her collar, treat and praise.

The purpose of putting her in a sit and grabbing her collar is because that is typically why you want her to come.  You want to reclip her  leash on, etc.  You also want her to learn that come means TO you, not around you or past you.

While you are practicing her recall, use treats that she will only get at that time.  Whether it's chicken, hot dogs, cheese...it doesn't matter.  Something that she'll see as a special reward.