Dogs not returning to come command

[gaeilge]

Hi
I am new to this forum and you guys seem to have offered lots of good advice so maybe you can help me!!

We have 2 crossbreed rescue dogs, a lurcher terrier cross and a collie cross. They are adorable, good natured dogs aged about 2 years.

When we go out for walks we like to give them some time off leash. They do know and understand the come command but the problem is getting them to obey all the time.

Sometimes they wander off and find a nice scent and completely ignore us calling. I always bring nice treats on a walk and they know they will get them and lots of praise if they return. However obviously there are times we just aren't attractive enough.

Any help or advice gratefully received.

[chonsigirl]

Hi there gaeilge! I am sure one of the doggy people can give you advice on that when they see your post. I only have a kitty and bunnies-bunnies come on command, the cat does as he pleases!

Welcome to FG!

[BabyRider]

Training for a consistent "come" should start at home, in the yard. Keeping the dog on a leash, use the command one time, and one time ONLY, then reel your dog in, without giving it a choice whether to come or not. You will want to work with one dog at a time on this, unless your partner can work with the other at the same time.
The problem most people have with this command is, they continue to say, "Come on, Spot, come here, let's go, come on," and ultimately go get the dog themselves, reinforcing the dog's assumption that this is not a command to be followed all the time. In fact this is THE MOST important command your dog must learn to obey every single time without fail. If you can get your dog to come to your side with one word, every time, you can avoid lots of dangers, and possibly keep him getting hit by a car.
So, you're reeling the dog in after giving the command ONE time, and rewarding with praise and treats. When this has been mastered to where you don't have to forcefully pull the dog to you, continue with the leash still on, but dragging.
Consistency is the key to training for any command. Keep sessions brief, but frequent, and make it fun for the dog. Just make sure you're NOT giving in to the urge to go after your dog, and the importance of having him come after ONE call.
Good luck with this, and if you have more questions, come on back! Let us know how you're progressing, too.

[minks]

excellent advise BR that was how we were taught in puppy training and now we are blessed, we toss a few treats in our pocket and take the pooch out, as soon as we go to snap off the leash I tell him to "sit" and reward him for the sit and he knows I have treats and away we walk. Everytime I call him back, I treat him, and he now is a gem to walk.

Originally Posted by BabyRider

Training for a consistent "come" should start at home, in the yard. Keeping the dog on a leash, use the command one time, and one time ONLY, then reel your dog in, without giving it a choice whether to come or not. You will want to work with one dog at a time on this, unless your partner can work with the other at the same time.
The problem most people have with this command is, they continue to say, "Come on, Spot, come here, let's go, come on," and ultimately go get the dog themselves, reinforcing the dog's assumption that this is not a command to be followed all the time. In fact this is THE MOST important command your dog must learn to obey every single time without fail. If you can get your dog to come to your side with one word, every time, you can avoid lots of dangers, and possibly keep him getting hit by a car.
So, you're reeling the dog in after giving the command ONE time, and rewarding with praise and treats. When this has been mastered to where you don't have to forcefully pull the dog to you, continue with the leash still on, but dragging.
Consistency is the key to training for any command. Keep sessions brief, but frequent, and make it fun for the dog. Just make sure you're NOT giving in to the urge to go after your dog, and the importance of having him come after ONE call.
Good luck with this, and if you have more questions, come on back! Let us know how you're progressing, too.

And not entirely bad advice for the men in your life...

[valerie]

Welcome to FG, Gaelige!!


Baby Rider is right, as always. I only have a couple of things to add: You
say you bring treats, and that is a good idea. I usually suggest people
try that but now I want to ask you what kind of treats. They should be
something the dogs ONLY get on your walks, or now your training sessions
in your back yard. No other times, just laying around the house! People
use all sorts of things for this, but try something REALLY interesting to the
dogs. I have used boiled skinless chicken breast pieces. They have the
advantage of not usually causing tummy upset, but if you think you can get
away with it with your 2, try anything really "stinky", say, hot dogs. Pieces
of any treats should be very small, use the size of your little fingernail as
a guide. And schedule your training sessions away from regular mealtimes.

And if you can get a friend to help you during these training sessions, so
much the better. This friend should not be "mommy" or "daddy". As you
progress with your training, have this friend bring in "distractions" such
as some toys, etc. and get the dogs (again, one at a time) to focus on
YOU. You should be the most attractive thing in their universe! Whether
a friend is throwing a squeaky toy across the yard or not.

Another thing to try is keeping something the dog really likes with you.
While you're training, let the dog know you have it, bounce a tennis ball,
or try acting like an idiot with a high squeaky voice and running AWAY from
your dog. Clap your hands, whatever you can think of. I imagine both
collie and lurcher lines have at least some prey drive, and you want to be
the one with the "prey"... not that squirrel in the woods.

Don't despair, you CAN do this, and you and puppers will be happier!

[BabyRider]

Val, your always brilliant input has reminded me of something else:
You mentioned hot dogs, and I recall a trainer I worked with who would hold the pieces of hot dog in her mouth and drop them to the dog from her lips, that way, the dog is focused entirely on your face, waiting for it's next command.
Great addition, as always, Val.

[valerie]

I've known people to do that... really cracked me up the first time...
spitting hot dogs at your dog!! There's just something about that
picture in my head!!

[BabyRider]

Originally Posted by valerie

I've known people to do that... really cracked me up the first time...
spitting hot dogs at your dog!! There's just something about that
picture in my head!!

It does sound funny, but it works like a charm! Ever tried it?

[valerie]

This is a thread hijack, but I couldn't resist! (For you-know-who!)