How could you use conditioning priciples teach a dog or a cat to come when called?

Question

the question is : How could you use conditioning principles teach a dog or a cat to come when called?Should you punish or not?

Answer 1

With our dog, we started from the day we got him, (he was only 6 weeks old), but you can try at any age.  I've had 5 dogs in my lifetime and the best method I've used is using the word "good".  To come was one of the first things we taught the dog we have now.  We just used the simple command "good come".  You really don't want to reiterate "come...come......come.....COME!"  Nothing will be learned.  Use the dog or cat's name, too, so you have their attention.  EX: "Fido, come."  And if "Fido" comes..."Good come."  We started using treats here and there, not every time, but we don't know because it is such a simple command that should be understood and followed.  Really, we hardly give treats for anything now...maybe once a week and occasionally when we practice tricks.  Give it a try.  I hope it works for you as well as it has worked for us!

Answer 2

Reward them for coming when you call their name, don't punish them for not coming, or the way they see it, you call their name and then you punish them. That would have the opposite effect of what you want.

Answer 3

Reward each and every time the dog comes to you, even if it takes them a while.

Do not call them before anything "yucky" happens, such as nail trims, trips to the vet, grooming, or even before you leave for work for 8 hours.  You are better off to go and get the animal, rather than attach your recall to anything negative.

Reward, reward, reward!