Will your dog come when called each and every time? If so, count your blessings. Recall is one of the most frequent requests we get when a client is inquiring about training. Unfortunately, often owners have unknowingly given him more reasons not to come when called than reasons to come.
So What Causes a Dog to Not Come When Called?
There are a few reasons this happens.
First, lack of consistency and reward. When you call your dog to come, praise him each and every time he comes. Make a big deal about him coming. It doesn’t have to be a treat. It can be your affection and praise. But you can use treats if you like; just don’t over do it. By consistently rewarding, your dog will come to you without a second thought. Even if you never taught your dog obedience in other areas, he would still come to you if you are his respected and loved leader. You should become his biggest reward.
Another reason is a lack of trust. Have you ever called your dog to you and then punished him for something he did previously? If he is smart, he sure isn’t going to risk punishment by coming to you the next time. Never punish your dog after he comes to you.
Lack of obedience training is another major cause. Most dogs are not leash trained consistently. If your dog doesn’t listen well on-leash, or in an isolated room without distractions, there is no reason to expect him to come when he is off-leash. If your dog is obedience trained, you have to practice recall as much as anything else. I tell my clients not to expect consistent off-leash results until their dog will obey them consistently on-leash.
How Do You Get Your Dog to Come When Called?
So, how do we correct these problems? You start from the very beginning and learn the right way to do the come command. Make the effort to build a trusting relationship with your dog, be patient. Results will come, but they will not happen overnight. One good way to start – call your dog five times throughout the day while inside the house. When your dog arrives to you, mark this wanted behavior with, “Yes.” Reward, then walk away, continue with your tasks. The reward can be treat, talk, or touch/affection. When you go into a new environment, say your dog’s name. Reward him each time he looks at you, giving you his attention. Again, do this five times.
Sometimes owners just need a strong foundation established by working with a professional trainer. They can help you speed up the process of getting your dog to come when called considerably.
Contact Us Today!
At Kasten’s Dog Training, we are committed to helping you and your dog build a strong, positive relationship through practical training. Visit our website or contact us today to learn more about our services so we can assist you in reaching your training goals!
