Husky Problems

Question
I have a 2 year old (in June)Pure Breed Siberian Husky. I know it is their nature to be runners and active, but I need help with training her to come when called when she runs. She has run on me 3 times in the last year and my husband is ready to give her up. I am not. I am too attached. She has had basic obedience classes. Is there a program that we can put her in to help calm her down and make her more obdient? Something like doggy boot camp or something.

Answer
Huskies can be difficult on recalls. Management and keeping them out of situations where they have the chance to run is always important. Many people teach a pup to come most of the time and think the recall is learned. As pups mature though, they become more independent and test their options. You may want to train a recall that is high reinforced every time and maintain it. Never assume that it is "done". Don't call your dog if you don't think they are going to come. Turn and run, find an imaginary mouse in the grass. Get in the car and get them. But if they are after a squirrel, or simply running for the joy of running, using your recall word only teaches them that it's not important to listen. Don't shoot yourself in the foot by teaching your dog they don't need to listen. If you already have, you may need to change the word you use because the old one has lost its power. Also never call your dog to you for anything they find unpleasant. Work on relationship and reinforcing the dog for being attentive to you - even just looking at you. If you've not tried a good class that would be a place to start. And a booklet that might be useful to you is the "Really Reliable Recall" by Leslie Nelson.  
Sandy Case MEd, CPDT www.positivelycanine.com