Q: In the book Clicking with Your Dog, and on this website, the method to train a good "come" is discussed. In both places, you start out using the "come" command as the cue. Why is this training strategy different than others, where you add the cue after the dog knows the behavior?
Al Boeck
Blue Springs, MO
A: Excellent question, Al.
In general, most dogs already have the behavior of coming to you when they want to. Teaching them a word for coming (over very short distances, i.e., around the house) when YOU want them to is OK because you already have the behavior, you are just adding a cue. In the "old days" (the '90s) we thought you needed to completely develop the shaped behavior before adding the cue, but now we know you can continue to shape for duration, distance, and distractions, even though you have named the behavior.
You can download a Video Lesson on teaching your dog to "come" for $4.99, right now!
A refinement that is not available in Clicking with Your Dog, Step by Step in Pictures, or on the website discussion of "come," is this: Get a good "come" behavior; add the "come" cue; shape for distance, speed of arrival, and coming with distractions (squirrels in the park being the Graduate School Level); and then replace the "training" come cue with a "performance-level" come cue, such as a whistle or other sound...you'll then have a bomb-proof long-distance recall.
Want to train a steadfast recall? Here's how.
You might want to shape itty-bitty recalls in class, as you begin to build your "come" cues.In our PetCo curriculum we have three-foot, dog-to-owner on-leash recalls to start with, with the instructor following the dog, holding the leash, and preventing bolting if necessary. But we do use the cue from the start, as well; we just try to make each "come" successful, clicked right on time (instructor does the clicking at first) and well reinforced with high-value treats, not just praise.
Come!
Hey Sparky,
Don't be discouraged about your 6 mo old pup doing that. I have raised many puppies in the past 10 yrs and all of them go through a stage where they think coming to you is not as fun as going the other way. Try using voice signals like rolling your tongue and raising your voice, then walk away from the dog. When she comes towards you-to investigate the strange sound compliment her with a click and a treat. At first she will come our of curriosity. You may even try to get her to chase you and then slow down, let her catch up. This is then when you click to give a reward. Hope this is helpful. Right now she is still equivalent to a 1-2 yr old child. Remember, they don't come to you always either. You will see a much improved dog at 1 yr of age when they are more into pleasing you than investigating their surroundings.
Sona