How do I get her to stop this
 

I have a 22 month old german sheppard female. she is a good tempered dog when she's on the leash she is super behaved. As soon as she is aware that she is off the leash she turns into a completely different dog. For example today I took her to the back yard to pee and took her off the leash, I couldn't catch her to come back she began to bark, and nip me. I tried to ignore the behaviour and she continued. I ignored her for about twenty minutes and she continued to bark and tried to get my attention. I finally distracted her I caught her and told her that she was bad and put her back on the leash. How do I get this behaviour to stop, or will it just stop automatically with age?? Help!!!

I would work with her in a very controlled environment, such as in the house, getting her to come when called no matter what. When. She is off leash and you're chasing her she probably thinks it is a game, and that's why she isn't taking you seriously.

I'm no expert, but that's what I would do. On an leash until her recall has greatly improved. Also if she won't pee on a leash use a tether. I tie mine up cause he won't pee on a leash.

Rule number 1: never try to catch your dog running away from you. Be patient, repeat command "Come!" and wait for her to come. That is our mistake if we expect our dog's immediate response, she will come in the end, and she will start to hear you calling better if she gets what she wants. If she nips you - that is her invitation to play! Treat her with some sort of game, have one of her favourite toys with you. Typical of dogs who have insufficient time to run freely, be tired.

find a trainer. 22 months old and you haven't trained your dog.
what do you expect?

Shepherd. S-H-E-P-H-E-R-D. Start there, please. Find some puppy classes and get your dog enrolled. It's money well spent, it will teach you how to train your dog.

I think you should take a look at e collar training for your 22 month old dog and teach the recall. There is a certain way to use e collars and you can visit Lou Castle's site here,

Home

Also, never chase them then they think it is a game. You could take lessons which can be very helpful with learning new training methods. I would check out what is in your area. Prices vary too with trainers and it can get very costly.

No one has mentioned this but the worst thing you can do when trying to teach them recall is punish them when you catch them or they come to you... Praise, treat, praise even if you have to make her come to you! If you're just going to yell at her or similar, why would she want to come to you? And don't let her off leash from now on until she learns to come when called.

We use a 13' leash to train for recall. Until you get that command down with her, she shouldnt ever be off-leash outdoors. Too, too many distractions outside.

You can also create situations indoors and play 'recall' games. The Internet is rife with recall game ideas.

Bianca,

I notice you've had her for quite a while, now. Have you taken her to any classes? I know they can be a little costly, but I would seriously consider signing up for them. It is possible to train a dog at home-if you have the experience, but the classes are also excellent for socialization, and human training. The advantage of seeing how others handle their dogs in different situations, etc.....is really an invaluable experience.

A properly trained dog is a happy dog.

You are 100% correct totally forgot about this! Also make sure once you get them do not harshly grab the collar or get angry. Same with the punishment too. The next time you go to call them I guarantee they will learn quickly to NOT come to you due to the negative reinforcement. Also if you can not reinforce the "come" command then do not use unless you can reinforce it. I agree keep the dog on a lead at all times until you know the dog will come when called. This make take time to do. If your dog is easily distracted I would start doing it indoors where the environment can be controlled by you.