Come When Called - YorkieTalk.com Forums

taylormade98 · 07-09-2010, 06:40 AM

I am writing this with tears in my eyes because I am at my wit's end. I got my 21-month old Yorkie, Allie, when she was 10 months old. She was a rescue so I knew that she would need time to get used to her new surroundings & being loved on a daily basis. Unfortunately, I don't think she knows how much she is loved & would be missed. When you least expect it, with no rhyme or reason, she can get out of the fence, will dart out the door, etc. When this happens, she runs with no purpose. Luckily, I have been able to find ways to catch her but I am so afraid that she is going to keep running & I won't be able to catch her or she'll get into the road or another dog will attack her, etc. I have taken her to obedience class & the instructor stated that I should turn my back or sit down to wait on her to come to me, but I am so afraid to let her out of my sight. When I finally catch her, I am so relieved that I don't punish her because I don't want her to think that coming to me is a bad thing. I am at my wit's end & need some advice on how to get her to come.

LDandPasquale · 07-09-2010, 06:46 AM

Dont be sad..you're not alone. Pasquale responds to the word STOP ..so when he starts to bolt, i'll use that word. BUT i dont trust it..cause if theres another dog around or something he's really interested in...he gets "Yorkie A.D.D. " I know he will not listen to me.

SO in the interest of his safety..i ALWAYS keep a leash on him if he's not in a secured area. They sell really long leashes..just get one of those.

OwnedByJezebel · 07-09-2010, 07:13 AM

I have a "bolter," too. We just continue to work on it, and do not trust. The backyard fence is secure, and we don't let her near the front door unless we are holding her. Only on leash in the front yard, on walks, etc.

Do you have a nearby dog park? That would give your pup a chance to run "free," and use up a lot of energy.

kay6688 · 07-09-2010, 07:34 AM

Jaxon also responds to "Stop, Sit"..but I wouldn't totally trust him if another dog or animal came into the yard. I would also say a long lead- we have a stake in the front yard & have 2 15ft leads on it. When he wants to go out, he knows he has to be hooked up, and waits at the door.

Mom to Hot Rod · 07-09-2010, 07:38 AM

Maggie is my runner and if there is a bird in sight, she's history. She is usually on a leash when we go out but I've been trying to work with getting them to stay put on the deck and she's run off 2x now but she did come back when called one of those times.

I just got 2 expens and am going to set them up across the deck so I don't have to worry about it. Sounds as though keep you little leashed may be the only answer. Better safe than sorry. Good luck.

Britster · 07-09-2010, 07:52 AM

Coming when called is so super important. I am still working with Jackson continually. He used to be off leash a lot more, once he turned 1 years old, he became a lot less reliable. We live on 3 acres with no fence. He has gotten out a few times when a door has been left open (grrrr... stepdad's doing!) He doesn't typically dart, he just kinda walks out like "oh, cool, a door is open" and goes exploring, lol. The last 3 times he's gotten out, he's come right back to me so I think our training has been working. However, for the last year, he hasn't really been allowed off leash at ALL outside of a fence, only the 50 foot line.

I try to use a REALLY rewarding treat like hot dog, chicken, steak, etc when practicing coming when called. I bought a 50foot training lead (Petsmart has these for around $10-$12) and I let him go all the way out 50 feet and then call him to me... so it's almost like he's off leash, but IF he happened to run off, he's still safe at the end of that 50 feet. I also found he responds better to "here" than "come". I don't know why. So you can try different words and phrases.

Also, I read once on here you should have ONE command that's an odd word not used in daily convo, like "Jackpot!" or something that means it's *really* important to come. Train it over and over but once learned, don't overuse it. A word that means he really MUST come.

I'm lucky that my dad has a big fenced in yard and we have a nice dog park. Both are nice places to practice recall. I always keep a few treats in my pocket at the dog park and will randomly say "Jackson, here!" and he responds 90% of the time now at the dog park (with lots of distractions). It's been a nice place to incorporate training.

Basically: Practice, practice, practice! Don't use the word "come" or "here" if you know they are NOT going to come. Set them up for exercise. If you overuse any word, they become 'immune' to it and don't really understand the meaning behind the word. If you keep saying "Come!" and they're not coming... that word is worthless. ONLY say 'come!' when you know they are going to, or after they do.

Here's a good article:
Dog Emergency Recall Command

Ute White · 07-09-2010, 08:20 AM

Our backyard is not fenced in, it's way too big and would be too expensive to put a fence up. Merlin comes when I call him and no neighbor is outside but as soon as he hears someone he is gone.
My husband built him a play area 12x6 feet and he is on a long leash when we are outside to keep an eye on him. Don't leave a dog on a long leash unsupervised!
My biggest fear is that he runs off the front on the road.
You're not alone and I can totally understand your concerns.

Britster · 07-09-2010, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Britster

Basically: Practice, practice, practice! Don't use the word "come" or "here" if you know they are NOT going to come. Set them up for exercise. If you overuse any word, they become 'immune' to it and don't really understand the meaning behind the word. If you keep saying "Come!" and they're not coming... that word is worthless. ONLY say 'come!' when you know they are going to, or after they do.

Here's a good article:
Dog Emergency Recall Command

Totally meant to say 'set them up for success.'

AddieandMiaMom · 07-09-2010, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Britster

Coming when called is so super important. I am still working with Jackson continually. He used to be off leash a lot more, once he turned 1 years old, he became a lot less reliable. We live on 3 acres with no fence. He has gotten out a few times when a door has been left open (grrrr... stepdad's doing!) He doesn't typically dart, he just kinda walks out like "oh, cool, a door is open" and goes exploring, lol. The last 3 times he's gotten out, he's come right back to me so I think our training has been working. However, for the last year, he hasn't really been allowed off leash at ALL outside of a fence, only the 50 foot line.

I try to use a REALLY rewarding treat like hot dog, chicken, steak, etc when practicing coming when called. I bought a 50foot training lead (Petsmart has these for around $10-$12) and I let him go all the way out 50 feet and then call him to me... so it's almost like he's off leash, but IF he happened to run off, he's still safe at the end of that 50 feet. I also found he responds better to "here" than "come". I don't know why. So you can try different words and phrases.

Also, I read once on here you should have ONE command that's an odd word not used in daily convo, like "Jackpot!" or something that means it's *really* important to come. Train it over and over but once learned, don't overuse it. A word that means he really MUST come.

I'm lucky that my dad has a big fenced in yard and we have a nice dog park. Both are nice places to practice recall. I always keep a few treats in my pocket at the dog park and will randomly say "Jackson, here!" and he responds 90% of the time now at the dog park (with lots of distractions). It's been a nice place to incorporate training.

Basically: Practice, practice, practice! Don't use the word "come" or "here" if you know they are NOT going to come. Set them up for exercise. If you overuse any word, they become 'immune' to it and don't really understand the meaning behind the word. If you keep saying "Come!" and they're not coming... that word is worthless. ONLY say 'come!' when you know they are going to, or after they do.

Here's a good article:
Dog Emergency Recall Command

This is the right way to do it. I'm glad you don't punish when you get her. Also, the stop command is another good one. Addie recently got out of her new harness and started walking down the sidewalk. I said "Stop" and she stopped and turned to look at me. She didn't move as I walked up to her either.

QuickSilver · 07-09-2010, 09:29 AM

It might help if you looked at this as two separate problems: the door dashing, and the recall. Also, for any behavior problem, there is training, and there is management.

I think you've gotten good advice here on both. Basically, do not give her an opportunity to run away until you have solid training in place.

Specifically for training on the door dashing: I would put a mat near the door, and have that be her place. Station her there, and teach her the Wait command. Do not open the door fully unless she's lying down (it's harder to dash from a Down than it is from a Sit). If she gets up, close the door and try again. Once she's mastered this exercise, give her a treat every time she stays in position while the door opens or closes. With any luck, she'll look forward to the door opening so she can get her treat.

Also, with any door dasher, consider that they may not be getting enough exercise / explore time. If they get to go outside and run around regularly, an open door seems less like a golden opportunity. Exercise doesn't work with every dog, but it's always the first thing I consider when looking at a behavior problem.

Britster · 07-09-2010, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

It might help if you looked at this as two separate problems: the door dashing, and the recall. Also, for any behavior problem, there is training, and there is management.

I think you've gotten good advice here on both. Basically, do not give her an opportunity to run away until you have solid training in place.

Specifically for training on the door dashing: I would put a mat near the door, and have that be her place. Station her there, and teach her the Wait command. Do not open the door fully unless she's lying down (it's harder to dash from a Down than it is from a Sit). If she gets up, close the door and try again. Once she's mastered this exercise, give her a treat every time she stays in position while the door opens or closes. With any luck, she'll look forward to the door opening so she can get her treat.

Also, with any door dasher, consider that they may not be getting enough exercise / explore time. If they get to go outside and run around regularly, an open door seems less like a golden opportunity. Exercise doesn't work with every dog, but it's always the first thing I consider when looking at a behavior problem.

Totally!

I can't believe I forgot to post exercise. Super super important!

tjdmom · 07-09-2010, 02:39 PM

My adult dogs are all trained to do this and they help me train my puppies too. The first thing I teach is "here" I choose the word here as it's not really part of my daily language like come is. Come here for a sec, come and see this, can you come in here? I'm always using that word and I think eventually they learn to ignore it. I take a treat behind my back, put 2 finger up right in front of their nose and say "here" they touch their nose to my fingers and I tell them good job for coming here. Then I just increase the distance. When I yell here, all my dogs come running to touch my fingers and get a treat. I am sure to use this several times a day at first. In the house, outside, Whenever the opportunity arises. I also expect them to come here and they know it.
The second part of this, is I also teach them to wait at the door. This was so simple to teach, I told them wait and then if they made a move toward the door, I slammed it. (careful not to get them in the door) Now can tell them wait and they all look at me and wait - even the puppy and I open the door. go out myself and look around and they are not allowed out until I say the word release. Now if I'm in a hurry like first thing in the am when everyone has to go pee, I just say release as I open the door. so sometimes they wait and sometimes I just say release but it's always up to me.
I hope that helps....

MissSophie · 07-09-2010, 02:56 PM

Mine bolts as well. We have chased her all over the neighborhood. We now are VERY careful to hold the leash very tightly. She has never come when called. She looks at us like "What's in it for me?" and then makes up her mind whether nor not to come. She is more catlike in that way.

07-09-2010, 06:40 AM	#1
taylormade98 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 7	Come When Called I am writing this with tears in my eyes because I am at my wit's end. I got my 21-month old Yorkie, Allie, when she was 10 months old. She was a rescue so I knew that she would need time to get used to her new surroundings & being loved on a daily basis. Unfortunately, I don't think she knows how much she is loved & would be missed. When you least expect it, with no rhyme or reason, she can get out of the fence, will dart out the door, etc. When this happens, she runs with no purpose. Luckily, I have been able to find ways to catch her but I am so afraid that she is going to keep running & I won't be able to catch her or she'll get into the road or another dog will attack her, etc. I have taken her to obedience class & the instructor stated that I should turn my back or sit down to wait on her to come to me, but I am so afraid to let her out of my sight. When I finally catch her, I am so relieved that I don't punish her because I don't want her to think that coming to me is a bad thing. I am at my wit's end & need some advice on how to get her to come.

07-09-2010, 06:46 AM	#2
LDandPasquale YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Massachusetts/Florida Posts: 2,614	Dont be sad..you're not alone. Pasquale responds to the word STOP ..so when he starts to bolt, i'll use that word. BUT i dont trust it..cause if theres another dog around or something he's really interested in...he gets "Yorkie A.D.D. " I know he will not listen to me. SO in the interest of his safety..i ALWAYS keep a leash on him if he's not in a secured area. They sell really long leashes..just get one of those. __________________ LD that's me and Pasquale "If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving is definitely not for you!"

07-09-2010, 07:13 AM	#3
OwnedByJezebel YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 1,921	I have a "bolter," too. We just continue to work on it, and do not trust. The backyard fence is secure, and we don't let her near the front door unless we are holding her. Only on leash in the front yard, on walks, etc. Do you have a nearby dog park? That would give your pup a chance to run "free," and use up a lot of energy. __________________ Life is merrier with a Yorkshire Terrier! Jezebel & Chuy ... RIP: Barkley Loosie & Sassy

07-09-2010, 07:34 AM	#4
kay6688 Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Missouri Posts: 3,163 Blog Entries: 1	Jaxon also responds to "Stop, Sit"..but I wouldn't totally trust him if another dog or animal came into the yard. I would also say a long lead- we have a stake in the front yard & have 2 15ft leads on it. When he wants to go out, he knows he has to be hooked up, and waits at the door. __________________ Jaxon Macy Remi and R.I.P. Trixie's Mom Kay

07-09-2010, 07:38 AM	#5
Mom to Hot Rod Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MD Posts: 10,908	Maggie is my runner and if there is a bird in sight, she's history. She is usually on a leash when we go out but I've been trying to work with getting them to stay put on the deck and she's run off 2x now but she did come back when called one of those times. I just got 2 expens and am going to set them up across the deck so I don't have to worry about it. Sounds as though keep you little leashed may be the only answer. Better safe than sorry. Good luck. __________________ www.kissecollar.com Soft Cone Collars for Post-surgery and much more! 10% (non-food) - Discount code YT10

07-09-2010, 07:52 AM	#6
Britster Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 17,814	Coming when called is so super important. I am still working with Jackson continually. He used to be off leash a lot more, once he turned 1 years old, he became a lot less reliable. We live on 3 acres with no fence. He has gotten out a few times when a door has been left open (grrrr... stepdad's doing!) He doesn't typically dart, he just kinda walks out like "oh, cool, a door is open" and goes exploring, lol. The last 3 times he's gotten out, he's come right back to me so I think our training has been working. However, for the last year, he hasn't really been allowed off leash at ALL outside of a fence, only the 50 foot line. I try to use a REALLY rewarding treat like hot dog, chicken, steak, etc when practicing coming when called. I bought a 50foot training lead (Petsmart has these for around $10-$12) and I let him go all the way out 50 feet and then call him to me... so it's almost like he's off leash, but IF he happened to run off, he's still safe at the end of that 50 feet. I also found he responds better to "here" than "come". I don't know why. So you can try different words and phrases. Also, I read once on here you should have ONE command that's an odd word not used in daily convo, like "Jackpot!" or something that means it's really important to come. Train it over and over but once learned, don't overuse it. A word that means he really MUST come. I'm lucky that my dad has a big fenced in yard and we have a nice dog park. Both are nice places to practice recall. I always keep a few treats in my pocket at the dog park and will randomly say "Jackson, here!" and he responds 90% of the time now at the dog park (with lots of distractions). It's been a nice place to incorporate training. Basically: Practice, practice, practice! Don't use the word "come" or "here" if you know they are NOT going to come. Set them up for exercise. If you overuse any word, they become 'immune' to it and don't really understand the meaning behind the word. If you keep saying "Come!" and they're not coming... that word is worthless. ONLY say 'come!' when you know they are going to, or after they do. Here's a good article: Dog Emergency Recall Command __________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier Last edited by Britster; 07-09-2010 at 07:54 AM.

07-09-2010, 08:20 AM	#7
Ute White Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Brockville, On, Canada Posts: 246	Our backyard is not fenced in, it's way too big and would be too expensive to put a fence up. Merlin comes when I call him and no neighbor is outside but as soon as he hears someone he is gone. My husband built him a play area 12x6 feet and he is on a long leash when we are outside to keep an eye on him. Don't leave a dog on a long leash unsupervised! My biggest fear is that he runs off the front on the road. You're not alone and I can totally understand your concerns. __________________ I hope to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am

07-09-2010, 09:29 AM	#10
QuickSilver Thor's Human Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 5,929 Blog Entries: 31	It might help if you looked at this as two separate problems: the door dashing, and the recall. Also, for any behavior problem, there is training, and there is management. I think you've gotten good advice here on both. Basically, do not give her an opportunity to run away until you have solid training in place. Specifically for training on the door dashing: I would put a mat near the door, and have that be her place. Station her there, and teach her the Wait command. Do not open the door fully unless she's lying down (it's harder to dash from a Down than it is from a Sit). If she gets up, close the door and try again. Once she's mastered this exercise, give her a treat every time she stays in position while the door opens or closes. With any luck, she'll look forward to the door opening so she can get her treat. Also, with any door dasher, consider that they may not be getting enough exercise / explore time. If they get to go outside and run around regularly, an open door seems less like a golden opportunity. Exercise doesn't work with every dog, but it's always the first thing I consider when looking at a behavior problem. __________________ If you love something, set it free. Unless it's an angry tiger.

07-09-2010, 02:39 PM	#12
tjdmom Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: upstate ny Posts: 5,847	My adult dogs are all trained to do this and they help me train my puppies too. The first thing I teach is "here" I choose the word here as it's not really part of my daily language like come is. Come here for a sec, come and see this, can you come in here? I'm always using that word and I think eventually they learn to ignore it. I take a treat behind my back, put 2 finger up right in front of their nose and say "here" they touch their nose to my fingers and I tell them good job for coming here. Then I just increase the distance. When I yell here, all my dogs come running to touch my fingers and get a treat. I am sure to use this several times a day at first. In the house, outside, Whenever the opportunity arises. I also expect them to come here and they know it. The second part of this, is I also teach them to wait at the door. This was so simple to teach, I told them wait and then if they made a move toward the door, I slammed it. (careful not to get them in the door) Now can tell them wait and they all look at me and wait - even the puppy and I open the door. go out myself and look around and they are not allowed out until I say the word release. Now if I'm in a hurry like first thing in the am when everyone has to go pee, I just say release as I open the door. so sometimes they wait and sometimes I just say release but it's always up to me. I hope that helps....

07-09-2010, 02:56 PM	#13
MissSophie YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 807 Blog Entries: 1	Mine bolts as well. We have chased her all over the neighborhood. We now are VERY careful to hold the leash very tightly. She has never come when called. She looks at us like "What's in it for me?" and then makes up her mind whether nor not to come. She is more catlike in that way. __________________ Sophie's Mom :