Why doesn’t my dog come in from the yard when I call?
We’ve all been there, late for something and the dog is having too much fun to come inside. Shaking the bag of dog treats may work for now but I promise you that it won’t be long before you have to up the ante to get them inside. Chances are, without even realizing it you have actually created a negative association with coming into the house. Think about it; they’re outside playing or sunbathing and when you call them, you put them away and leave the house. Well, what if instead you played with them for just TWO minutes. What you’re doing in those short two minutes is showing your dog how much value there is in coming into the house when you call because they’re met with a fun game of tug with their favorite person, YOU.
Teaching them to Actually “Come”
Before you can teach the formal “Come” command, you must first be sure that your dog knows how much value there is in just their name. Sit down in a chair with your dog leashed in front of you; each time you say their name and they look at you, say “YES!” and feed. Make sure that you are using a nice high value treat! Building up some serious value for their name will help to recreate a positive association and quick response when you call them when they’re outside having fun.
Step Two
Once your dog is acknowledging you when you say their name while remaining stationary, take it on the move. Stand up and let them get distracted before then saying their name. This time, when they turn to acknowledge you make sure that you praise them! This will usually help them finish the sequence which of course involves running to you. Just like before, when they get to you, mark with that “YES!” and reward them. From there, you can add your formal “Come” command AFTER their name.
Tips and Tricks
- Be sure to work on this in the house where there is less going on before you try to do it outside
- Keep a leash or long line on when you first work on this to keep them from getting too distracted
- Remember to play with them before putting them away when you call them into the house