Getting him to pay attention outside

Question
Hiya,

I've got a 2 and a half year old Border Collie.  He's excellent in the house, we've always clicker trained him and he learns very quickly and does what we ask most of the time.  However, outside is a different story and we have to keep him on his lead which seems really unfair considering the amount of exercise he needs.  When other dogs are around, all he wants to do is go to them - meaning he pulls us over.  He's not aggressive, just very giddy and he doesn't seem to care we're even there when outside. I have taken the clicker training outside and have tried to increase this with distractions, etc. but it doesn't seem to be working, which is frustrating when he pays so much attention to this training indoors.  One time he was off lead he ran out of the park and onto a road and got clipped by a car so I am only keeping him on for his own safety.  He has started getting better when off lead - coming back with his frisbee etc. but only if there is NO ONE else in the park.  If he sees another dog, he's off and we really struggle to get him back. Likewise, if he gets tired, he stops coming back.  This has been a breakthrough in itself as he never used to come back so we've obviously done something right, but ideally I'd like to get to the point when I can walk round the park with him, knowing that he won't bolt off when he sees another dog to play with (I'm concerned as obviously not all are friendly and he doesn't seem to grasp when they don't want to play) and he will always come back.  If you have any advice to make walking him a much more enjoyable experience, I would be truly grateful.

Answer
Hello Catherine,

Sorry to hear you are having troubles training. The "come" command is one of the most important ones we can teach our dogs. You did the right thing by starting indoors and allowing him to understand what it is that you are asking him to do.

Make sure you are touching your dog before you praise and treat him for obeying the "come" command. This lets the dog know he needs to be close to you in order to get the command right and in turn a reward.

A good way to teach this command is to make it more interesting for the dog. Set him up for success by playing hide and seek.

Here are some more tips on training the "come" command:

Start off by giving him a jackpot treat (a hand full of his favorite treats). When outside dogs learn to associate the "come" command with the end of play since you ask him to come and put him on a leash and head homeward bound. Change this by calling him to "come" and give him a food treat, and allow him to go play again. This will teach him that you are not calling him to make him stop playing but instead to give him something he really wants.

Never use commands in a harsh or serious voice. Use happy, clicky sounds that almost chirp as you say them. Make yourself more attractive to your dog by walking or running in the direction you want him to go. You can use this on the other side of the spectrum and play on his curiosity by kneeling down or sitting on the ground. He'll most likely want to know whats going on and come over. When this happens, treat him and praise.

Never get angry with your dog for a slow response. This will further deter your training as negativity teaches a dog not to obey. No matter how long it takes to respond, praise and treat.

Lastly, never chase your dog. He'll most likely flee. This kind of training is the most important one and you are asking your dog a lot by having him stay by you and not explore the interesting world around him. While this is absolutely possible it takes a lot of time, training, positivity, patience, and most of all conditioning, meaning practice, practice, practice - everyday. I promise it'll pay off.