Make a game of it and once and for all --- teach your dog to come when called. For the next 3 days I am talking about my "foolproof" technique that will get even the most stubborn dogs to come when called and enjoy it. I was once instructed on techniques to get your dog to come when called; commonly referred to in the training world as "THE RECALL". One instructor said something that I never forgot. "Teaching a dog to come when called is not OPTIONAL" ...IT CAN SAVE THEIR LIFE!That made an impression on me. My personal dogs had almost never learned that skill, my fault! With so many foster dogs in my care, I have made this a part of their "boot camp" experience and so enjoy teaching this not only to the dog, but to the new adoptive family as well.
LESSON ONE:
- Attach a 4' (maximum length) lead to your dog's regular collar. Hold in one hand while the other hand is loaded with tiny bite-size morsels. I like to use tiny soft treats cut very small or tiny pieces of hot dog. Make it something soft so it takes the dog no time at all to chew...we are working too quickly for the dog to be munching his treat.
- Put the dog across from you, preferably having him sit and face you. Say your dog's name and the word COME. (Ex: Dolly - Come ) Made the command sound like two very deliberate words and use a strong tone. The moment the word COME is out, move backward 2-3 steps and pull the dog toward you. Immediately, "good girl" and reward with treat. The timing is important. The dog must hear "COME" just before they feel you pulling them toward you.
- Repeat this very quickly...giving the command, moving backward and pulling the dog toward you - then praise and treat. Pause in between just long enough for the dog to eat the treat and refocus between repetitions. Make sure you are moving backward far enough that you actually are pulling the dog toward you. I prefer a 2' lead, but most folks don't own those. A good trick is to "double up" you lead and keep it to a 2' length. Then you can more easily step back requiring that you are tugging the dog toward you.
- Repeat this exercise in spurts of 3-4 pulls. Try this a few times a day for the first week. At this stage I suggest using an inside setting so the dog is focused on you. I generally use a longer family room or open area. A long driveway will work well if you prefer outside.
RECAP: The idea is to make the command of "COME" not optional. The dog hears the word and then is pulled toward you, but immediately praised and treated. You are simply setting the stage and make the word "COME" a good thing! Stay tuned for the next step.
