How well does you dog come on command?

Question

Does your dog always come when called? Sometimes come when called? What training methods did you use and do you think your methods were effective?

Answer 1

I can walk all mine off leash, I just let them roam around on my 22 acres, they come and go as they please...never had to "train" it in to them

most of my land is fenced in and all the dogs are chipped  

Answer 2

He's very obedient when we're indoors and will come to me no matter what he's doing. But when we're outside he's always on a leash or in a fenced in area. It's not really his fault though, he's a beagle in a world of smells and rabbits.

I never really sat down and trained him, we think he may have once been a hunting dog since he did come from Kentucky. He has always responded to a whistle and as far as I can remember came to Judge (it was also his name at the shelter, so he could have always had it). But when I call him and he comes he gets praise, which reinforces the behavior.

Answer 3

all but one of my dogs comes on command.

our little pointer mix- once her nose hit's the ground i might as well try to get the a fly to come by name...as her brain follows he nose once she starts

Answer 4

i have a yorkie Toby and Jack Russel Milo in the beginning i used treats and i called them by name when they came i would reward and give treats i even did this in the house.  another thing i did is if your dog ignores you kneel down with your arms open and call your dog in a nice manner when they come priase them like mad i never shouted or lost my temper they wont come to you like that.  

Answer 5

He knows the "come" command, but he is nowhere near proofed when outside, especially when his prey drive kicks in and takes over his brain.  Surprisingly enough though - in agility classes, he's fine!

I started with a long leash, gradually graduating to off-leash.  I do not trust him in an un-fenced area right now, and I am unsure if, being of the terrier persuasion, he will ever be 100% trust-worthy outside.  

If/when I want to proof this?  Well, we really need to work more on our basic obedience outside first.  Then, if I still want to proof further, I think my only recourse would be an e-collar.  I won't do that until *I* am satisfied with the level of the work *I* have put into his obedience training though!

Add: I'm not against e-collars - but I'm not sure we are ready at this point.  He does have a prong collar though!

Answer 6

I have three shelties and all three have a perfect recall.  I can even call them off of chasing a squirrel!  A good recall has to be trained, it does not just happen.  

We use the word "come", when they hear it all three come running.  That is because "come" has been reinforced in a positive manner, we started with a clicker and treats and having the pup on a long line.  We first worked just a few feet away, and gradually increased the distance.  As soon as the dog came I clicked and treated.  Now they are 4 and 5 years old, so no clicker, but I still surprise them with a treat here and there and always, good dog!

If you are training a good recall you must never, ever discipline the dog for NOT coming.  You need to go back to square one and start all over or at a point where the dog is successful.  "Come" should be the best word your dog ever hears besides, what else, cookie!

Answer 7

you need to show your dog who's the boss! (not aggressively toward him/her but stand your ground) your dog will not come to you when told if you do not show that you are the "pac leader" some people use the cookie method, where every time their dog does something good they get rewarded with a cookie/treat...my dogs laugh in my face when i think a cookie is going to get them to listen to me. i do NOT hit my dogs in anyway but they know momma is in charge. giving them lots of hugs and praise when they do something good will go a long way for you. and to make them come to you you need to find a simple command and stick with it so the dog doesn't get confused. such as "come" (not come here, or come on) and train them the same every time if something doesn't work the first time do not try something new find your way and stick with it. don't get worked up because the dog can sense negative energy and then will not listen. the dog whisper has a lot of helpful hints on this issue.  

Answer 8

she used to come but not anymore only when she wants too!

she usually comes when i call her though unless shes keeping the yard free from those birds!!

Answer 9

My dog come immediatly regardless of the distraction.  I started with puppy recalls where a friend holds the leash and I call the pup.  The friend does not release the pup until it is frantic to get to me (may need to tease with a toy).  This builds the puppies drive for the recall and makes them WANT to get to you  at all costs.   When the pup comes you reward with play or a treat.  Never correct a dog after they have come to you.  They will only associate the correction to the last thing they did (ie came to you).

Answer 10

My dog comes a lot of the time if she is just sitting there not being petted .  I just call her name and she comes.  Keep treats around by you so if she listens you can reward her and then they will start thinking you have treats by you all of the time