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FirstYorkie · 11-26-2006, 01:11 AM

Sawyer's Mommy,

First, if you have been using the word "come" without success, then when you reteach the command, it would be a good idea to change the word. Sawyer already has a history of ignoring this word. Maybe use here, close, cookies or whatever you choose.

Then, start retraining with Sawyer just a couple of feet from you. Let him see that you have something yummy in your hand. If he isn't coming for treats, you need to up the value of what you use. Maybe a tiny piece of leftover meat or cheese or a cheerio. As he starts toward you to get it, saw your cue word "close" or whatever. Repeat a bazillion times but only say your cue word as he is coming toward you, not before. When he gets to you, he gets a party - the treat, petting, loving, "you are the best puppy ever! you are soooo good!" in an excited voice. Make it fun.

Only when you feel 100% confident that he will come, can you start saying "Sawyer, close!" before he starts to come. Repeat a bazillion times. Then, you can gradually start doing it where the treat is nearby but not visible. If sucessful, you can gradually start lengthening the distance that he has to come.

The trick when teaching the command is to NOT use it if you don't think he will respond. You don't want him to develop a history -again - of refusing the command.

Make sense?

11-26-2006, 01:11 AM	#7
FirstYorkie YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: American in London Posts: 1,739	Sawyer's Mommy, First, if you have been using the word "come" without success, then when you reteach the command, it would be a good idea to change the word. Sawyer already has a history of ignoring this word. Maybe use here, close, cookies or whatever you choose. Then, start retraining with Sawyer just a couple of feet from you. Let him see that you have something yummy in your hand. If he isn't coming for treats, you need to up the value of what you use. Maybe a tiny piece of leftover meat or cheese or a cheerio. As he starts toward you to get it, saw your cue word "close" or whatever. Repeat a bazillion times but only say your cue word as he is coming toward you, not before. When he gets to you, he gets a party - the treat, petting, loving, "you are the best puppy ever! you are soooo good!" in an excited voice. Make it fun. Only when you feel 100% confident that he will come, can you start saying "Sawyer, close!" before he starts to come. Repeat a bazillion times. Then, you can gradually start doing it where the treat is nearby but not visible. If sucessful, you can gradually start lengthening the distance that he has to come. The trick when teaching the command is to NOT use it if you don't think he will respond. You don't want him to develop a history -again - of refusing the command. Make sense? __________________ FirstYorkie We Love Clicker-Training!