What To Do If Your Puppy Gets Away From You
Your new puppy must never be allowed to exercise in an unsecured area without some means of restraint. A puppy is a complete innocent when faced with the hazards of his immediate environment, it is your responsibility to protect him. All it takes is one moment of inattention or complacency to cause a tragedy. I unfortunately can speak from personal experience. If (heaven forbid) your puppy should slip away from you, DO NOT run after him in a panic. You will either frighten him into bolting or convince him that this is some new, intriguing game of keep away. Instead squat down (to present a less threatening posture), open your arms wide and call to him in a bright, coaxing and confident manner. It is a good idea to always carry a pocket full of treats to reward your puppy for coming to you. My puppies learn the "cookie" word as early as four weeks, in fact, they will often respond more enthusiastically to "cookie" than their own names. If the puppy does not come in spite of your blandishments, try backing away or turn and run from the puppy. He may interpret this as an invitation to play and chase after you. NEVER scold a puppy once he has come to you, he will associate the act of coming to you with punishment. It would be more appropriate to scold yourself for allowing a dangerous situation to develop. ALWAYS praise the puppy for coming to you, it should be your goal to see him perform this behavior consistently and joyfully. Therefore, do not call the puppy to you for the purpose of performing some obnoxious task, such as toe nail trimming or confining him to his crate without a little loving or play time first. Do not attempt to formally teach the "come" word without having some means of controlling your puppy's actions, you must reel him in as you call him. He must not get the idea he can choose to come or not come. There is a wonderful retractable leash that allows your dog a little more freedom while allowing you to still maintain control.