You’re doing everything you know how to get your dog to GO with you when you call. He has no idea what you’re saying. After all, it’s a dog, right? You need him to understand you and there are ways to do it.
From my experience, there are many things that can contribute to this problem.
- Does your dog know his name? If not, this is an important part of the problem. Start using his name frequently and give him a little love by stroking or scratching him. An occasional meal or treat works too. You will begin to recognize your name and associate it with something nice.
- Does your dog know what you are trying to say? You can’t seem to get it to come, so add another word to the command. “PETEY, COME!” The next thing you know is that you are chasing him because he is not COMING yet. Now think this is a game, so keep dodging yourself. When you finally give up and he finally gets close to you, you use a stern voice to reprimand him. Uh, oh, now associate “PETEY, COME” with “I’m in trouble, you better get out of here!”
- Does your dog enjoy his surroundings? Sometimes a dog just walks into his own world and, as I say, “smells the roses.” We, as people, do the same. Get their attention by stroking them and saying the word COME when they notice. Giving him a treat while saying “COME” is getting him used to hearing the word and associating it with something good.
- If you have eye contact with your dog, tell him to COME. Sometimes it is necessary to keep it in the lead, especially if you are outside. When he says to come, gently pull him towards you. After he’s contacted you, offer him a toy or cookie, along with lots of cuddles and “ATTA BOYS.” Try not to end playtime too early or it will associate COME with the end of a good time.
- Once your dog associates with good things, don’t confuse him by asking him to COME to scold him for something. Always keep in mind that your tone of voice may add a different twist to the word COME. Always keep your voice pleasant, when possible. We want him to know that he is safe when he is near you and that if he COMES everything is forgiven.
- DO NOT use the COME command if you are going to do something unpleasant (in their eyes, of course). If you are going to bathe him or cut his toenails, you should go get him. This will help keep the word COME positive.
- Your body language is an important factor when training your dog for EAT. Like people, dogs will associate their body language with their mood. If, for example, you have your arms crossed and you are upright, your dog may associate this with being angry. Stay relaxed and your dog will be relaxed and respond better.
- If you are training your dog to COME with treats, let him come to you. Stay away and offer the treat. Hold the treat next to your leg and bring it closer to you.
Once you have trained your dog to EAT, it is easier to move on to other training techniques.