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Many dog owners struggles with this
part. How do you get your dog to come to you, when ever it's called,
no matter what surroundings and distractions? It takes practice and a
lot of work to get to this point. But on most dogs it's highly
possible, though some dogs with high hunting instinct may be really
hard to get.
Make up your mind on what your dog
should do when being called in. By using just one type of method
you'll not confuse your dog about what you expect of him. On large
dog, hand targeting are a good choice, since it doesn't require much
from the owner. A bonus's that a lot of dogs find targeting fun and
it's easy to teach the dog. By using hand target, you also make sure
that the dog get's all the way into you.
On small dogs, hand target's maybe not
the best option. However, some have good results by using target on
the leg. This method requires generalization. One day you may be
wearing a skirt, while you normally wear pants. Or another pair of
pants than you normally use while walking your dog. You won't meet
this challenge while using hand target, since your hand will always
be the same.
Okay, to the training part. Call-in are
probably the most important signal to teach the dog. Many accidents
could have been avoided if the dog had a good call-in. Therefore this
signal should not be misused. Never use the signal before punishing
or to take the dog back on leash again. Start the training in a calm
and safe place with few to non distractions. Home in the living room
are a good place to start.
The key for a good call-in is that the
dog thinks you're the funniest person to be around. The dog always
gets something positive out of being near and around you. Reward
every time the dog comes to you randomly to start with. Add the signal
when the dog are about to run or turn to you.What the signal should
be's up to you, could be the dogs name, whistle or maybe flute.
Whatever you choose, try to always use the same signal.
When the dog gets to 80% or more of the
repetitions right, add slightly more distractions. If the dog gets less
than 80% right, step back one or more steps to make sure the dog gets
it right most of the time. This is to make sure the dog success in the
task he's given. If the dog fails too much, the signal will get
watered out. Add more and more distractions as the dog gets better in
returning to you.
Suggestion for distractions (unranked):
- Helper.
- Helper with food.
- Helper with toy.
- Dog(s)
- Birds
- Wildlife
- In play with dogs.
- In play with people
- Random people
- Known people
- Smells
- Doggie-zen
- Noisy surroundings
Tips for call-in
- Always use high value rewards. Don't play halfhearted with your dog or give food that's just okay.
- Don't nag the dog. Just use the signal a couple of times. Give the dog time to explore as well.
- If you're in doubt the dog will come, don't call him, just go grab him instead. Remember everytime you call the dog and he doesn't come, the signal will get watered out.
- Never yell at your dog. If he doesn't come, he don't know it good enough yet.
- Always praise the dog for coming when called.
