My dog knows when its time to go home?

Question

I have an 11 month border collie, he is a great dog and very good at recall and most obedience. The problem i have is, when i start a walk he will come to me whenever called even if no treat is offered, but its as if he can sense when its time to go home and either hangs back or runs in front and will not come. I have tried putting the lead on at different points but its no good, he can sense somthing in my body language. I walk him for about 3 hours a day and he always has a really good run. Any iseas?

Answer 1

Hehe.

He sure is collie!!

I don't have any ideas :(

But he's smart!

Answer 2

Ah, well, I have a part Border and she always knows when we're heading home, even if I take a different route back to the car than we did on the way out. She starts dragging her heels as if she's exhausted and I know she's not because she drops the exhausted bit right away if she sees a bird. They're just too darn smart. Lately I've been making sure that the walk happens before dinner, and at the end of the walk I tell her we're going home for DINNER. That gets her moving. You're going to have to keep your dog off balance by putting the leash on now and then for a short time during the walk. Try to make it so he can't read your intentions. Put the leash on, walk towards home, take it off and head away from home again, and sometimes do the reverse. No promises but it's worth a try. Keep working on the recall so it's firmly fixed in his brain, and this problem may improve as he gets older and better-trained.

I also use a wait-and-release routine, several times during the walk and often at the end of it. The dogs have to sit and wait while I walk ahead, then at some point I release them, at which time they run like mad towards me. Works every time so far.

Another thing my part Border does that drives me nuts is that when we're out on a walk and I call her, she comes running every time. Around the yard, she takes her sweet time coming to me, with a look on her face that says "I'm right here in the yard, what's your problem?"

Answer 3

lol, i think dogs just sense that, i walk mine a little longer till they get comfartble then i pounce and put the lead on.

Answer 4

hehe, smart dog.

maybe its the place.

do you always turn back on the same place?

either way, I guess he likes walks.

and hes not lazy, like mine. I usually have trouble getting mine out the door.

Answer 5

We have two dogs, both of them can 'tell the time'  they will go to the door at exactly 8.30 in the evening for their last walk and at 10 they put themselves to bed!!!

As for your walk I'd use treats or change your route so that you change your routine.

Not sure the amount you walk will make a difference our terrier will keep going forever if we let her.