Teaching Your Dog To Come When Called
When you call your dog to come, does he ignore you? Don't
feel jilted! He simply needs to learn a recall cue.
Using Rewards To Train Your Dog
Many dogs will ignore their owner's plea to come when called
because they have never had an incentive to do so. Why should
a dog stop doing what he loves like sniffing for squirrels
to come inside? For treats of course! Using positive reinforcement
training, you can teach your dog to come when called. Here
are some dog training tips that will help.
Teaching your dog to come when called works best when
your dog already knows his name and has a decent food drive.
Teach Your Dog To Listen For
Cues
First, take your dog to a fenced in yard or a contained
park. Using an extra long leash (15-30 feet), allow your
dog to explore the surroundings. When your dog is distracted,
call his name (Fido!) followed by the cue (Come!). When
he turns and looks toward you, use your indicator word (Yes!)
or clicker and start moving backwards encouraging him to
chase you. When he catches you give him lots of treats.
Be sure to release him (Okay!) and then repeat the exercise.
If
your dog doesn't turn and orient toward you, pick up the
end of the leash and moving backwards, gently bring him
in to you. Experiment with the length of the leash - dogs
who are easily distracted by elements in the environment
may need to start on a shorter leash (for instance a standard
6 foot leash). When your dog is able to respond reliably
on the 6 foot leash, move up to a 15 foot leash, then a
30 foot leash.
Practice The Recall Cue: Come When
Called
Keep in mind, most dogs will need lots and lots of practice
on leash, before the can respond reliably to the recall
off leash. Also be aware that high-value distractions like
other dogs, squirrels, rabbits, and deer may take precedence
over your food reward. This is why it is so important to
practice the recall with a long leash so that you can enforce
the cue every time. Repitition is key!
Training The Fun Way: Play The Recall
Game
Here is a fun recall game you can play in your backyard
and it will reinforce the recall cue - increasing the
chances that your dog will come when called when you
are not playing the recall game. You will need a friend
or family member to assist you. Standing some distance apart
from the other person, take turns calling your dog giving
him a treat each time he runs to you. This is a fun and
easy way to teach the recall cue and best of all, it keeps
the learning experience positive and rewarding for both
you and your dog!
Better Dog Treats Make Better Rewards
Final notes: Make sure the treats you are using for training
are irresistable to your dog. PupLife.com offers delicious
healthy dog treats that are perfect for dog training. Remember
if he is indifferent to the treats, his incentive to obey
your command decreases accordingly, so using top quality
dog training treats is a wise move.
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