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Teaching "Come" to a stubborn girl Riley is now 14 months old. She's been in the "catch-me" phase forever. She knows what "Come" means, but she runs off. Or she will come within a foot, put her paw out to shake (or test the water) and then dart off. She's also picked up Penny's habit of streeeetttccching when she doesn't feel like coming when called. Both of them will look at us, walk a few steps, stretch leisurely, then eventually saunter over. Any tips? I'm super-annoyed at the stretching thing, and I don't know how to break that habit. And I've tried calling Riley over just randomly to practice and then rewarding her with a Yorkie Yummie, but it hasn't helped. |
one of my yorkie books suggested you have people in various rooms. take turns calling them and when they show up ...give treat. I wish i had done this earlier in Bella's life. she is also 15 months old and just getting it. but she only comes if i make it fun...YOU come her bella girl.. over and over. she is getting better...i guess good luck! |
I have the same problem with Gracie. Somewhere along the line she associated come with catch me if you can. Would you want to come if it meant having your tangles combed out or a bath? I'm still working on her and it is starting to get better, but you have to associate come with fun and use another word like Hey for the not so fun I guess. I have started on day one with Holly associating come with fun and yummies, and she is already getting it like a pro! And she is only 13 weeks old. |
Karleigh is the very same way, Its always on her terms, If she is scared, well then thats different, she is stuck like glue, otherwise its her way or no way:rolleyes: she is 3 and been like this forever:p |
What about changing the word come to something al togeather different! So that she has to reasociate it. |
I like FL Tink's suggestion of having people in various rooms call him. It makes it fun. At obedience school, they had us put them in a sit and then walk away just a few steps. Distance wasn't important. Time was. After 30 seconds in a sit (at first), we gave them an animated "COME" and reward. We built up the time and distance gradually to 4 minutes in a sit. Sometimes we'd return to the dog. Other times we'd call them to us. If you can't get any distance away before they break, stand on their leash and position yourself a step away. Eventually, they'll get it and you can increase your distance. Another thing we did was put them on a long lead (30 feet) and do the same thing. If they tried to wander, we could steer them toward us. |
A few more tips: Make it exciting to come to you.:) Have some food or her favorite treat in hand. When she comes to you make a big deal out of it and reward her. Practice every chance you get, even if you are in the bathroom and she is 3 steps away. Try not to say come and then go get her because she didn't. Don't keep repeating the word , if it doesn't happen the first time let it go. When she comes to you on her own, reward her, even if you didn't say to come. Have you heard of clicker training? I highly recommend it, I've used it on both of mine and the "come" was the first and most important one I wanted to teach. I was somewhat amazed at the theory behind this training, and "marking" a desired behavior with just a click. Now both of mine can be running full speed away and I say "come" they stop on a dime and race back. IMHO, "come" is the most important command we can teach our little friends. Here's a link to some info on this, maybe others who have or do use this method can chime in I'm not associated with or promoting this site, it's just where I got my clicker and training dvd. http://www.clickertraining.com/ |
If the word "come" has a bad meaning to your dog (like someone else mentioned.... if they get a bath, or hair brushed, or something else unpleasant) then they won't want to come. Change the word. Say "treat" or "hugs" or whatever you choose, and when they come, give them a treat. Before long, they will WANT their treat, so they will listen. |
Ditto to AlaskaYorkie and April Love. Come is the most important command of all. It is the first command I worked with over and over on a retractable lead when Remi was first brought home at 11 weeks old. Since then he has been to puppy class and is now at the novice level learning recall. I have been so proud of him. But, last week at our dog school Christmas party he decided during the lesson not to come on recall and to visit his German Shepherd friends instead. Even at home he has to go back on the lead to "review" his recall lesson! Lots of good luck. Happy New Year to all! |
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