[Jannie]

Congratulations on the training with Dakota. I wish I could say Sadie was doing even half so well. She has really become a problem "child" with the come command lately. She has figured out come means the end of the fun - either into the car or into the house. So she plays keep away and it is really hard to catch her. Not sure what to do - we have been giving her lots of praise when does come - and treats if we have any on us - but she has figured out that the freedom is more fun than the treats.
How did you do it with Dakota?

 

[Jannie]

Hi Jac
That is very encouraging and I hope Sadie will do the same - but, at the same time, a part of me wonders if it will get worse if we don't get it under control now. I need her to come every time I say the word, not just when she feels like it. I am reluctant to let her outside without a leash anymore (we are in a wooded area with few neighbours). I am not worried about her running off because she sticks really close to us, but when we call her to come and she thinks she should have more time to play, she starts this keep away game where she runs up to us, waits for us to move towards her, then backs off and runs around us in circles when we try to catch her. She doesn't need a voice for us to hear - "Hey, let's keep playing - why stop the fun now" Cute the first time - annoying when you are in a hurry and need her to come!