Dear Dog Talk Readers: In last week's Dog Talk column, I discussed factors that influence training your dog to "Come" reliably on command. You need to be aware of these factors at all times so that you do not inadvertently undermine your training objective.
In today's column, I'll teach you an on-leash training technique that is designed to condition your dog to come immediately when called. Practice 15 repetitions of this technique with your dog every day.
As part of your dog's basic obedience training, continue to practice Step 1 of "Sit" and "Down" on command and Step 1 of "Sit-Stay" with your dog. For the next couple of weeks, I will go back to the usual format of the Dog Talk column and answer readers' questions. But keep practicing.
"Come" on command -- Step 1: Chase reflex
This exercise is designed to teach your dog to come on command. This technique capitalizes on your dog's instinctive chase reflex.
Chase reflex is a dog's natural urge to chase things that quickly move away from them.
Flight instinct is a dog's natural urge to run away from things that threaten and/or chase him.
Rule one is never call your dog to you and then chase after him if he does not come to you. Doing so would condition him to run away when he hears the command "Come."
If your dog does not come to you when called, run away from him. This will trigger his chase reflex, and he will run after you. When he does, squat on his level and praise him until he reaches you. When he reaches you, pet and praise him lavishly. Remember: Never correct your dog when he comes to you.
Here is the Step 1 training exercise for "Come" on command:
Start with your dog sitting at your left side. Tell him "Stay." Hold the leash with both hands. The leash should be as loose as possible without wrapping around your dog's legs.
Call your dog's name, followed by the command "Come." Hesitate two seconds, then run backward, away from your dog. As your dog follows you, lure him to you with a food treat such as dog biscuit, small chunk of hot dog, etc.
If your dog does not follow you when you run away from him, give a gentle jerk and release on the collar. Jerk gently -- do not flip your dog over backward.
If en route to you, your dog becomes distracted and veers in another direction, give a gentle jerk and release on the training collar. The leash never should be tight. It should be slack, unless you are jerking and releasing. Do not pull or reel him in like a fish.
Show your dog the food treat and praise him enthusiastically as he is moving toward you.
When your dog reaches you, gently tuck him into a sit. Praise him warmly. Make him think this is the best thing he ever has done.
Be sure that your "Come" command is clear and pleasant. Practice this "Come" on command exercise 15 times a day for best results. Do not undo your hard work by making the mistakes that I pointed out in last week's column. Avoiding those mistakes will influence your "Come" on command success.
