Yes its me again. Feeling rather desperate at the moment as I am having trouble controlling Evie. I have taken her to basic obedience classes where she performs brilliantly. I have dilligently followed all advice and spend as much time as I can training her in the house, garden, field and on walks but Evies drive is so intense that I have no control over her off lead on a walk. She will not do the recall and totally ignores me. My biggest concern is that she has run off several times and ended up on the lane - she picks up a scent and just goes and goes. She is so hyped up that she just can't stop and tries her hardest to escape out of the garden even climbing through tiny gaps in the stock fencing and gates. We have had to double up everywhere with chicken wire just to contain her. After loosing her again the other night after she went off after a hare I am now back to long lead walking her on every walk which is a nightmare as she spends the whole time at the full extent of the lead choking herself. I reinforce all the commands and reward/praise whilst she is on the lead but even on the lead she is so distracted by her surroundings that she just can't seem to concentrate. I really don't know what to do as its no fun for her or me to keep her on a lead but the alternative could result in her ending up underneath a car. She is the perfect dog in the house and is so loveable and we all adore her.
It has been suggested that I incorporate a remote E - collar in her training. I ahve read mixed reviews some very anti and others very pro useage. What do people think about using them? My priority has to be to keep Evie safe and I am seriously considering going down this route. I am not a defeatist and am always prepared to face a challenge head on - any advice will be gratefully recieved.
Lynn - interesting that Ghillie is having problems. Evie has had a couple of dry nights but ususally there is atleast 2 wees and a poo if I don't get up in the night to loose her out. She was very bad last week and our vet did all the liver function blood tests and urine tests which all came back normal except for the presence of crystals which can also be normal. Am hoping she will just grow out of it as she is fighting fit in every other respect. The vet wants to do a Bile Acid test to check for a liver shunt but to be honest I am not going down that route yet as dogs with a shunt are poorly, lethargic and small all of which do not fit Evies profile ( as the above problem confirms).
Looking forward to any ideas you may all have. Thanks.
