My 84-yr-old neighbor has a 2-yr-old laid-back bloodhound which she always walks on leash. Neighbor would love to unleash dog in appropriate area (ie golf course, empty park, etc) but is very worried dog will not come back when she calls. Neighbor can't modulate voice much so I've been trying to train dog to come to (mechanical) whistle. Not having much success. Very laid back dog. Not motivated by food....what else might I try? (When walking this bloodhound w/ another dog, bloodhound usually returns when other dog is called.)

I would NEVER have a bloodhound off leash outside. Notice that even well trained tracking bloodhounds are never off-leash! There is a reason for this--when a bloodhound catches a scent...they become single-minded...they will follow that track forever....and, because their facial skin-folds fall forward when their nose is to the ground, they can not see ahead of them--they would not see a car about to hit them.

No, that bloodhound, no matter how laid back, should never be unleashed in the great outdoors.

OK, but what about a large (fenced) dog park? How can she motivate the dog to come when called?

Originally Posted by chelseabaylor@earthlink.n

OK, but what about a large (fenced) dog park? How can she motivate the dog to come when called?

Well, first teach "come".

Everytime that dog comes to the owner, it should be a great thing--praise, treats, toys, major happy event.

Once the dog has learned come on leash, begin working on off-leash.

One thing to keep in mind--if the dog associates "coming" with "fun ends" it will stop coming.

In the obedience class I'm taking with my cocker spaniel, we are learning to use a whistle. At this point, I will blow the whistle and if Tanner looks at me, he gets a treat. Then, we'll only treat if he comes to me. The whistle is good for several reasons: it will carry better in windy conditions and it doesn't involved the command "come".

I'm a firm believer in every dog knowing basic obedience. Either through taking a class or through following a book. A good book is The Canine Good Citizen: Every Dog Should Be One by the Volhards. The Canine Good Citizen certification shows that the dog has basic good manners: sit, come, heel, down, stay, accept a stranger petting it, accept distractions such as other dogs or wheelchairs, accept grooming, etc. A good, reliable come when called can mean the difference between your dog coming back alive or dead.

[lil mutt]

Originally Posted by Frecs

I would NEVER have a bloodhound off leash outside. Notice that even well trained tracking bloodhounds are never off-leash! There is a reason for this--when a bloodhound catches a scent...they become single-minded...they will follow that track forever....and, because their facial skin-folds fall forward when their nose is to the ground, they can not see ahead of them--they would not see a car about to hit them.

No, that bloodhound, no matter how laid back, should never be unleashed in the great outdoors.

that's great point. I never know about this stuff about bloodhounds. Thanks for sharing it with us.