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Clever dogs and crazy people with Wendy Graydon The Dog Trainer |
The 6 secrets to getting your dog to ‘come' when called:
- Move away
- Turn away
- Crouch down side ways
- Move backwards
- Touch the collar and body
- Release clearly
MOVE AWAY
When you call your dog and it looks up move away instantly. You want to be the leader, you want them to follow.
Do this at home first, every time you call or your dog looks at you move away and then call. Create an ‘I am going' moment that encourages your dog to also move with you. To come to you is an action it is not a stand still command! Praise them when they come!
TURN AWAY
When you call your dog and it looks up turn away instantly. Every time you call, or your dog looks at you turn away and then call. You are now waiting for your dog to arrive and when the dog does come around to see your face and then you can say ‘good come'.
To come to you is an action, this time you are standing but you can move off a little to create interest in what you are doing.
Be patient, you want your dog to come and look, to see why you are turned away and not looking at them with any attention. Plenty of praise!
CROUCH DOWN SIDEWAYS
When you have called your dog crouch down and turn your legs to the side, pat the side of your leg and look out to the side. You have already called; your body posture will show you are very approachable. Your dog should naturally come along side you. Praise enthusiastically!
MOVE BACKWARDS
When you call your dog and it is coming towards you, move backwards to encourage the coming in; a small game to make it interesting.
Make sure your dog is not too far away when you do this but if they are losing their concentration as they come in move back quickly to distract and catch their eyes. Turn and crouch at the last minute to the side. Your dog will come in alongside your leg naturally. Lots of praise.
TOUCH THE COLLAR AND BODY
When your dog has come to you and is alongside your leg in the crouch down position, touch the collar and draw the dog's body alongside you.
Pat firmly on the side and say ‘good come'. If you have a treat hold it for a few seconds.
You want to make eye contact of your dog. Lift your voice and say ‘good come' to create interest. Your dog must look at you at this stage. Give the treat when they do if you are using one. Heaps of praise with or without treats!
RELEASE CLEARLY
Your dog has come! Brilliant! Give your dog a small push from you and say ‘away' or any other command you want to use to tell your dog. You have come to me the reward you now get is to go again and have your freedom.
