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First, I ask my clients if their dog is already tuning out the cue word "come" - many may be, if it was not properly re-inforced from the start. If this is the case, we start from scratch with a new word - "here" works well.
Most people will call their dogs to "come" and then reel them in - and I have seen many trainers reinforce this method. There are two proplems with this - first, your dog is not a fish, so don't reel them in! Second, the dog is not "coming", the guardian is pulling it towards them - BIG difference. So, when teaching come, I hold the leash or long line, and have the guardian call their dog to come to her with happy voice, play bows, tempting treat, anything to keep the dog's attention focused on the guardian, and moving towards the treat. I have the guardian back up, so as to entice their dog to follow them.
Once the dog's attention is focused on the reward or toy, and they are moving toward their guardian, we "click" or give our verbal marker word, and reward once the dog gets to them. It is very important to practice in a quiet, non-disruptive environment, at first, then gradually add distractions.
This training tip provided by:
Sirius Companion Dog Training
Jodi Goocher
8411 S. Liberty Lane
Oak Creek, WI 53154
414-698-3223
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