How to make my puppy come when I call?

Question

My Australian Shepherd is 4 months old on Sunday. When I walk him, I rarely use his leash as he stays close by and I like him to get as much of a run about as possible.

For the most part he comes when I call, but when he really gets into sniffing something or investigating, he just doesn't respond. I always use the same call (I whistle, say 'Charlie Come!') and repeat it on and on until I end up leashing him, dragging him home (we live on the Park's doorstep, basically) and locking him in the room with the leash still attached to punish him. I leave him there for half an hour then let him out but he isn't improving.

What can I do to make him listen even when he is distracted? AND

Is this something that will be less of a problem when he is neutered?

I know he can hear me because when I come to put him on the lead and drag him home he looks guilty and knows whats coming.

Answer 1

actually, for being the breed it is, and the age, getting it to come back to you even most of the time is extremely well.

but i have to say, it'll probably get worse if you keep doing what you're doing.  when you 'come to put him on the lead and drag him home' an ' lock him in the room with the leash still attached to punish him.' before 'leaving him there for half an hour then let him out.' - what you're really teaching him is that when he comes to you after running away, he gets punished. he's not going to learn that the running away part is bad -  he's going to learn that coming BACK is bad b/c that's what he associated with negative reinforcement.

i suggest strongly a beginners/puppy class with a trainer. they'll teach your dog how to heel and have a wonderful recall.

Answer 2

At 4-months-old I would keep doing what you are doing.  The only thing I do for my puppy is to use my make a fuss voice and she comes because she thinks she is getting a treat.  I like your method better, stick to it.  

Answer 3

If I knew that I was getting ready to be dragged home and put in a room for punishment, I wouldn't come either... j/k... really though I don't think that he knows why he's being put in the room, dogs don't have a long concept, he may just start to think that aftr a walk if he comes to you, he gets locked in a room... I have heard that after being neutered it helps some... Take a few pieces of cooked chicken w/ you, when he comes give him a treat... when he starts coming all the time, slowly decrease the treats and replace with lots of praise...

Good Luck... 4 months is still very young, he's exploring his world... Keep up the training and he'll be trained to recall before you know it...