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Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly  Tibbe is now 5 and would go through times of not coming right away when called from the back yard so I started giving him a very high-value treat for a while every time he would come running. Even in the house when I called him from another room. Usually gave him some type of beef jerky or turkey hot dog bite - something he would turn flips to get anytime. Did it every single time he came running. If he ever stopped to look at a squirrel or sniff, hesitate in any way, no treat. Soon he learned that zipping right to me got him his big reward and of course, a big praise. Once he was routinely coming fast, I began treating every other time but always praising him enthusiastically each time. After a while longer, changed his treat to just a piece of his kibble but by now, it was habit with him to come running when called. I'ts been about 1 1/2 years that he's come running like clockwork when called, outside or in the house. I usually still mostly give him a kibble treat when he comes in from outside - it's a little extra "trouble" maybe but it keeps him on his toes and coming every single time & I enjoy how he enjoys this little reward & praise session for being good. He comes in with his ears and tail up, all alert & ready for his "paycheck" and smile, encouraging words. And gives me a little extra chance to pamper him day and night. |
I just love your posts! They make so much sense! It seems like you have endless patience; that you operate under the assumption that the goal and behavior will be achieved. Just recently, my Marley will sit, down, and roll over consistently. But he still won't come. He's a great dog -- a real people pleaser -- but when asked to 'come' when he doesn't want to, he rolls onto his back and waves his little paws in the air and begs to be forgiven... to get him back into the house, I have to scoop up his limp little body and carry him inside. He's so incredibly cute he gets away with it... but obedience equals safety, and I want him to obey.