I have a 2 year old Jack Russell Terrier.
We have a problem with her not coming when called. I have trained her many times. I've read books which say to start the training again so I do. I have trained her with treats, which, when training, she comes when called all the time because she knows I have food. When I call her other times she doesn't come because she knows I don't have food. She just stares at me blankly. So I stopped training her with food and just put her on a leash. When I called her on the leash she comes every time again and when she doesn't I just try getting her attention and she comes. But again, when not on the leash, or without food, she does not come.
I always praise her a lot when she does actually come. I've also tried running away from her which some books said to do but she just stands there and watches me again.
Any ideas?

[Yogi]

welcome to the world of Terriers.....
No offense but I find it amusing the number of people who have the same problem when it comes to these breeds meaning pretty much all terriers.
By definition, the Terrier family of dogs are the only breeds created by man for the sole purpose of killing other animals ie: rats, mice and vermin in general. They are extremely high energy and need an excessive amount of daily exercise in addition to mind stimulation. A securely fenced yard is a must for general terriers to freely exercise. These breeds are independent breeds and free thinking as required to perform their job therefore many do not take well to "training". The reason the dog comes on a leash or if in an enclosed yard is that it is aware it has no place else to go. These breeds will bolt after any small moving object as this is a commonly inherited instinct and part of their prey drive. As one who has bred and raised Miniature Pinschers and for the record they are actually not a toy breed but one of the oldest of the terriers, I never recommend these breeds for the faint of heart. Terriers require an experienced dog person who can be firm. The stare you refer to is common when they are thinking. Many assume terriers are stubborn when in fact what you are witnessing is simply the act of thinking and acting on what they have planned to do next. Not coming when called in the terrier family of dogs especially in the young ones is almost the norm. As they get to around 10 to 12 they respond better but also note that like the Miniature Pinscher, these dogs will live in a state of terrible two's well into their senior years. The are free thinking, mischievous little imps who's sole purpose each day is to get up and immediately start running around looking for something to chase, not to come when called as this defeats the purpose as to why they were created. If treats will work then continue though if in public, the dog should just be kept on a harness and leash but note, daily walks will never suffice in these breeds, they need a good few hours daily off leash in a secure area to expel all the energy they possess on a daily basis.
Good Luck

[AuntieDale]

Wow, that's a tough one - it sounds like you've tried just about everything I would suggest. The only thing I can think of, other than always having a treat in your pocket, is just walking away about 10 feet, then waiting...Perhaps first on a leash, walk around a bit, then drop the leash and walk 10 feet away, then stop. And wait to see what she does. I've seen this work before, but not with a Jack Russell.

I'll ask my doggie friends if they have any other ideas - if you try my suggestion, I'd be curious to know if it works - and good luck!

Hey thanks I'll try that. To the previous poster yes I know Jack Russells personalities to the T as I have grown up with them. We had a Jack Russell previously who unfortunately passed away but now we have two jack russells. Our older terrier responds really well. The dog I am having a problem with is one of the most stubborn jack russells I have trained (but lets admit it, one of the cutest). Guess I'll just have to keep going.

the temptation to scold or belt needs to be put aside mainly because it doesn't work,start with a treat so he knows nothing bad is coming id he/she does come back but then put it on a chain for a hour or so eventually it will work out there is a treat for coming back but a punishment as well.

[natalie265]

When i was training my doberman rescue i literally ALWAYS had treats in my pocket. I'd randomly call him to me at different times and places throughout the day, and reward him every time he came when called (sometimes with a treat, sometimes just a "good boy"). The treats came in hand for other behaviors i was trying to encourage or discourage too.

Don't give up!!

[cloverbordercollie]

Do you have a whistle? If so you could use it to train your dog to come to you.
you need treats for this. First you blow the whistle and give your dog a treat. Keep doing this only farther away from your dog.

I hope it helps your dog!