Dog Health Questions: How to bond with my dog more?

I have a 2 year old pug beagle mix. My mom got him for me from a shelter(I am 16). I love my dog. We are best friends. I know he loves me. He sleeps with me, watches tv with me, and when my friends come over they like to ruff play with my dog. When they get to rough with him he sits on my lap because he knows I wont let anything happen to him. I walk him, toss him his ball, and I take him to the park so he can have some off leash time at the parks tennis court. He doesn't come back when I call him and he runs away from me thinking I will take his toy. Does he not respect me. How can I correct this? We don't have dog parks or any dog friendly places except a ice cream parlor. Do I not bond with him enough? Why does he do this? I tried dog training but the trainer didn't show up. I was very upset. The only other dog trainer in the area wants 70$ for one day worth of lessons.

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I don't think bonding is the problem here, but rather your lack of control. You need to be firm when disciplining - he has to see you as the pack leader instead of someone he can domineer. Your dog does not come when he's called because he hasn't been trained properly and knows he can get away it. By allowing him to sleep with you and sit with you all the time, you are reinforcing the idea in his head that you are both equal (i.e - pack members).

Here's some tips to get you started:

- Don't allow your dog to sleep with you. This will turn into a habit that will just cause him to lose respect for you as a leader over time. Get him is own bed and make him sleep on the floor next to you. You must do this to define the relationship you have with each other (i.e - you are the 'alpha' he is the pack member).

- Don't encourage him to jump up on the lounge chair, because he'll think that it is acceptable behavior and will continue to do this when you're not home. Allowing him to continue this behavior will reinforce the idea that the lounge chair is his property, much like your bed.

- You need to teach your dog some basic cues. Go onto YouTube for some training videos to get started. Remember food is the way to a dog's heart. He must know his name and come when he is called. Otherwise this could lead you into a dangerous situation (i.e - him running out in front of a car or taking off on you in an open area). Also teach him to sit and stay - the more you train him, the more he will respect you as a pack leader.

- Reward positive behavior, not ALL behavior. Be selective how you reward the behavior you like, and make sure you correct him on behavior you don't like. For example, you've been encouraging him to jump up onto the bed with you. So when he jumps up onto the bed, you reward him by giving him a pat. He thinks this behavior is good, so he'll continue doing it. You need to show him this isn't acceptable - make a loud noise when he does something you don't like - eg. clap your hands sharply and say his name in a low voice, bang two pot lids together. You need to make some noise to distract him so it gives you time to tell him that behavior isn't acceptable. You could also use a spray bottle, and when he goes to do something you don't like, give him a squirt of water.

- Remember that a dog can tell from the tone of your voice when you're happy or angry with him. So obviously, a low stern voice will convey the message that he's done something wrong. A high happy voice will tell him he's doing something right. If you use this concept when training your dog, you'll see results quickly.

I hope that helps you out. Training a dog can be a pain, but it can also be very rewarding in the long run. Just be persistent, don't let him get away with anything that isn't acceptable and remember - repetition, repetition!

Good luck, and enjoy training your dog.

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• Well i think that when your dog runs away chase him to get the toy. Prove to him that you can. After you get the toy hug your dog and give it back so he knows you share. If he doesnt come back when you call him train him with treats


• Don't play with him that ruff. He runs away from you because he wants you to chase him( sort of his idea of playing). That's pretty much it best of luck :)


• I think your dog just was never taught this it seems as if you taught him everything else but he just doesn't know any better try teaching him at home to come when called before you let him off the leash


• To get him to come back to you, get a whistle. Blow on it and then give him a treat (repeat about 10 times) Then let him get a few feed away then blow on it when he comes back give him a treat. Each time let him get a little farther away each time. About 10 minutes before you are ready to leave the park (or anywhere he is off the leash) call him to you and then tell him good boy, treat him and then let him go again. Then call him to you and leave because then he will see you calling him back as a bad thing because he wants to be free as long as he can, makes sense right? I hope I helped :)