Teach It : Come!


Puppies naturally come when called; proof your adult dog into an impressive recall

Coming when called is actually two different actions. The dog diverts his attention to you when you call, then he comes to you. The first part-getting his attention-is the most important because that’s where the communication often breaks down. Squirrels and interesting smells are just more interesting than you!

Make paying attention to you rewarding. Mealtimes are a good time to do this every day. Wait until he’s otherwise engaged, then call him to eat. Make a game out of calling him to you for play, treats, or praise. When you say his name, and he looks at you, immediately praise him for giving you attention. Then encourage him to come to you for extra praise

When calling your dog, adopt a welcoming, relaxed stance. If he doesn’t come immediately, turn and run away from him; most dogs will follow.
Never call a dog for some unpleasant consequence like reprimanding him or trimming toenails-go get him instead. Avoid repeating “rover, come, come, Rover, come…”until he decides to pay attention because you know what? You’re telling him it’s OK to blow off and come when he decides to. Call your dog only when you’re certain he will come (or you can haul him to you on a leash) and always praise him when he gets to you. As he progresses, a 20- to 20-foot-long line will be an invaluable tool. Give him the freedom to range to the end of the line on walks and periodically make an enthusiastic game of calling him to you. Use praise, treats, or toys to make coming to you rewarding. Even it you have to tug him to you, praise him all the while. The more often correct behavior is repeated and rewarded, the more it is reinforced.


INTERACTIONS WITH THE DOG

  • Crouching down and opening your arms in a welcoming stance while calling encourage a dog to come to you quickly.
  • A dog who has never been reprimand after being called to you might be hesitant. If he understands that coming to you means good things, he’ll reliably and willingly obey.
  • Training isn’t limited to discrete sessions. Day-to-day interaction with your dog determines how attentive and compliant he will be.

USE YOUR VOICE

  • Use his name as well as you’re “come” command and tell him he’s a good boy as he runs toward you.
  • Sound happy and excited; like this is the best possible thing you two could be doing this every minute.
  • Don’t do too many repetitions of a recall exercise in a row. It’s usually counterproductive to bore a dog. Better to quit all sessions with him wanting more play.
  • Extra points go to you for having your dog sit immediately after a recall!



USE A PARTNER

  • Having a partner restrain your dog for several seconds while you call him builds a little frustration and drive to get you quickly.
  • For a dog that is ho-hum about coming, make sure he sees that you have food or his favorite toy. Have another dog handy that he loves? Keep that dog with you while you call Rover.
  • If he is being restrained while you entice him to come, he will be very eager.


MIX IT UP

  • Mix it up. Sometimes offer a treat, other times a game as reward.
  • To teach him that coming doesn’t always mean the same thing, occasionally wait until he gets to you and stops. Then turn and run away, encouraging him to chase you.
  • Games in which your dog chases you are always good. Cont ever play games in which you are chasing him, though. He’ll get the idea that sometimes running away from you is desirable.

sumber : Knack

No comments:

Post a Comment