Originally Posted by daniellealberta  Spike is great off-leash - we go to the off leash park all the time and I get lots of compliments about how obedient his is at the park. Even so, when I am by a road, he is always on the leash. No matter how well trained any dog is, there will always be SOMETHING that makes them bolt. Last week I saw my neighbour's Bichon tearing across the road in hot pursuit of a jack rabbit. He looked liked he was having the time of his life, and I GUARANTEE that no matter how well trained he is, there was no way he was coming back if his owner called him.
Even if you don't plan on taking any off-leash walks, it's still a good idea to put some training in with 'come' commands in case they ever slip out of their collar, dash out a door, etc. Start by using a longer leash. This way you don't have to be somewhere fenced. walk out the length of the leash, say 'come', and reward your dog whenever they come when they are called. If they follow you as you walk out, reward that as well.
Once they have mastered this, try going to a fenced park, enclosed parking lot, tennis court, anywhere that is enclosed but fairly large. Start with the long leash again in the new area, and repeat the same exercises, and then let your dog off leash to practice, increasing the distance bit by bit.
Another good idea is to practice in the presence of 'distractions'. Place treats, other people, toys, etc. between you and your dog. Call your dog, and reward him if he comes to you without stopping to check out the distractions.
I find that something else that helps is the not abuse the 'come' command. Only call your dog when you need them to come to you. If you are calling them for no apparent reason every ten seconds, they will become immune to the command.
Above all, never scold your dog when they come to you, for whatever reason. Your dog has to WANT to come to you, ahead of everything else. If they think they will be scolded when they come to you, they will be less eager to follow your 'come' command.
Good luck! |