Stubborness

[dankelly]

Rudy is 7.5 months old.. He knows sit, shake, lay down, quiet, bedtime but will not learn come. I would like to hear different ways to teach him this, since my method isn't working. I have tried the whole treat thing that works but he flat refuses to come without a treat in your hand. Thanks....

 

[Indy B's Mom]

Ty's trainer suggested making it a game to start. Go in another room and call Rudy (think happy, fun voice), when he comes to you, treat and praise like crazy. Have someone in another room do the same thing. Dogs seem to love hide and seek and they will soon learn that coming to you=good things! Good luck!

 

[dharmadoodle]

I would also add that you squat down when you call, so that you look kinda submissive.

 

[Lola's mum]

I squat down as it also looks more friendly doesn't it?
Lola's recall word is 'here'. All I have to say now is Lola here and she comes, sometimes she gets a treat, sometimes not, that way I'm hoping she'll always come.

 

[Heartnsoul2]

Help with stubbornness

You might try using the "come" command when you notice Rudy coming to you. Squat down and say yes as he is coming to you and reward with praise or a treat when he arrives. Always be enthusiastic when he comes and make it like a fun game. Don't overdue it, make him wanting more. Also, when Rudy comes to you on his own when he is out playing you might reward as well. It makes them associate coming to you is a good thing. Good Luck!

 

[Jill's boxer]

when our first boxer, Norton, was young we made a game out of teaching him to come to us. We would sit on the floor at opposite ends of the room and then one of us would have him sit with us, and the other would call him in a happy fun voice "Norton, here!" and as I called, my DH would give him a little nudge toward me and when he ran to me I could give him a treat and go crazy over him and my DH would immediately call him back and do the same--we would have Norton running back and forth between us, totally excited and happy because it was a fun game to him--running back and forth when we called to get a treat and a bunch of silly kisses and petting!

You could also put him on a long lead and as you give the recall command, gently begin to "reel" him in at the same time--praising him the instand he responds by coming towards you. Once he reaches you--lots more praise and a treat!