DiamondsMom

We had the opposite problem with our Diamond - she would ONLY go on walks and NEVER in the yard. What worked very well for us was saying "Hurry up" as she peed, and "Number two" while she was pooping. We'd say it in a low, calm voice and then as soon as she was done say "Good hurry up!" or "Good number two!" in a really happy voice and give her lots of love and praise. It didn't take her long to learn the commands, and although she was VERY reluctant to go in the yard, we started taking her there before any walks or fun time, and only when we KNEW she would have to go (for example, first thing in the morning) and she caught on pretty quick. Now she will go whenever and wherever we want her to. Very convenient!

How long have you had Harley? Where did you get him? I've read that some breeders permit the puppies to 'eliminate' in their eating/sleeping area, which obviously creates a lot of housetraining problems for the new owners. How long do you keep him outside, playing? Can you stay out there with him longer, to give him a chance to pee more often? Also, are you giving him a ton of praise when he pees outside? How are you handling it when he "goes" inside? I've read to not make a big deal out of cleaning it up, and to not let the puppy see you cleaning up after him. The few times my dog has gone inside, I've followed the above advice and it's worked like a charm. They're such smart dogs, it's just up to us to set them on the right track so they know what we expect ... Good luck!

Had the exact same problem with Diamond - she's 2 but we've only had her for a few months. In addition to what's been suggested above, I also tell her "okay, time for work!" then she goes to the flat place in the park where we work on her obedience skills (mainly "heeling"). She meekly goes over there, waits for me, I clip on her leash, we do a few minutes of obedience work and then I tell her "good work!!!" and we go home ... She loves to "work", loves all of the positive reinforcement that goes along with it, and it sure makes the 'recall' training easier, because she knows that having her leash attached doesn't mean the fun is over! Good luck ...

Thanks again - sorry, I should have been more clear - we usually call her with "Diamond - Come!" in various tones - "happy voice" , "serious voice" , "REALLY serious voice". We're giving the dog park a try tomorrow, with her on a long lead (I think it's 50 feet) and luckily since the park is big enough, and most of the dogs congregate at one end, we should have some distance in order to start this new training process. This forum is wonderful - border collies are such a unique breed, I love it that they have their own forum here!

Thanks all. She LOVES to play fetch but she loses focus if there is another dog nearby that she has a particular interest in. She will chase the ball but not bring it back and then she'll take off to play with the other dog. MOST of the time we're able to get her attention, but not consistently enough for my liking. "Fetch" is not enough to keep her attention. MrSnappy - yes, I TOTALLY understand other owners' annoyance with her behaviour - I would be annoyed as well. I didn't mean to imply that I thought they were being unreasonable. Pipedream Farm - She knows "leave it" as in drop the toy but she doesn't know "that'll do" - I'm trying to work on that. Thanks for the tips! urge to herd - I was wondering if it was an anxious reaction as well, but she REALLY loves going to the dog park and it's been good for her confidence and it's helped her to get along with other dogs much better. (When we first got her, she was quite timid and would hide behind us and snarl at others). Now she plays with them and in general is able to customize her style of play to suit the dog, and 3/4 of the time, everyone has a great time! Is it a good idea to teach her to associate her name with getting her attention. Ie. should we be yelling 'DIAMOND!!!' to get her to listen, or should we implement some type of command? Thanks again!

Hi - my first post, so I hope I'm in the right board. Diamond is 2 years old, and we've had her for a few months now. MOST of the time she's pretty well-behaved and obedient. But the last few times we've taken her to the dog park (the only place we can let her off leash in our city) she gets obsessed with a certain dog or activity, and starts circling at full-speed. NOTHING can get her attention and it's frustrating for us and for other dog owners. Any ideas what we can do? It's like her herding instinct kicks into overdrive and NOTHING else in the world exists. Thank you!