When your dog won't come
Anybody else notice that -- on these really hot days -- your dog seems to (A) play a lot less (B) pay a lot less attention to you, and (C) is much less likely to come when called?
On my last few trips to Riverside Park, Ace (in addition to just moving a lot slower) has been acting that way. For the first time ever, while we were heading back home and he was on the leash, he stopped and laid down in the shade, stubbornly refusing to go on.
On top of that, he seems to be in a zone of his own when the temperature hits the upper 90s. I can call him, and call him, and call him, and all I get is an aloof look -- and this from a dog who 99 percent of the time is looking to please.
We can't lower the temperatures outdoors, but we can do something about getting our dogs to come when we call -- in fact, for those with dogs that go unleashed, it's an outright responsibility.
In this a helpful Associated Press article, these tips are offered:
•First, figure out what is really rewarding to your dog -- whether it's a pat, a treat, or a toy.
•Then, run away from him and say "come" in a cheerful tone of voice." Condition him to think "come" means good times are ahead.
•Next, start at a short distance from the dog. If you have help, have someone hold and then release the dog when you say "come." Otherwise, you can leave a small handful of treats on the ground. Back away as the dog eats them, and then as he eats the last one, call him to come. Reward the dog when he comes to you. Gradually increase the distance, and don't just stand there as you call, move. Turning and running away is inviting to a dog, but standing and looking at him can be intimidating.
•Once he responds reliably to your call, it's time to get him to come amid distractions, such as the other dogs at the park. Keep your tone cheerful (I have trouble with that, generally my third and subsequent "comes" take on an increasingly irate tone) and never punish the dog if he doesn't come in a new situation.
•Once you've trained your dog, be careful that the call to come never leads to anything unpleasant. Go and get your dog if you need to cut his nails, don't call him to come.
•If your dog starts to hesitate or look uncertain when you call him, you've probably accidentally "poisoned" the command. Pick a new word and retrain him to come to that; it's faster than trying to "fix" the word that's gotten a bad association.
Comments
The SPCA trainers, where my dogs and I have taken classes, recommend starting with a word other than "come" - a word that you reserve and only use when you really do need them to respond, so that you won't inadvertently poison the word, as you mention in the final bullet here. (I, at least, find it practically impossible not to reflexively use the word "come" even when it's not urgent.) Apparently "free beer" is a popular recall word, because how often in life are you likely to yell that out?
Posted by: KristinB | June 23, 2008 10:16 AM
In addition to teaching my dog "come" which I use regularly, (and he listens to 99% of the time) I taught him "look". "Look" means there's something really, really awesome for him to see. I use it if people food drops on the floor (he's never fed people food), there's treat crumbs being missed, or he's getting a really great new toy. But I use it sparingly, only if it's something extraordinary. This way I can use "look" if there is a serious situation where I need him ASAP and not waste time thinking about "coming". "Look" always gets an instant response from him.
Standbys for loose dogs are "do you want a treat?" or "wanna go for a ride?" (then get them into a car). Remember that you always have to follow through if he/she comes. You must take them for a ride or give the treat. They are very smart and will catch on quickly if you don't follow through.
Never, ever, ever chase a loose dog. They will think you are playing and run from you. Always run/walk away and get them to chase you.
Posted by: Carey | June 23, 2008 11:56 AM
As far as poisoning the words goes, I remember hearing somewhere that most dogs think their name is "Dammit." The magic come-hither words here are "home" and "cookie" or my husband's patented ear-splitting whistle. He's been using it for years to summon children as well as dogs, and it absolutely means "get your butt over here." You can also hear it all over the neighborhood. As for me, I've made up a little ditty to the tune of Adam Sandler's "Turkey" song. (Cookie for you, cookie for me). That works in the house.
Posted by: Anne | June 23, 2008 10:58 PM