Comment

Comment by Carla on October 21, 2010 at 11:13am

Yes, Jane is right - a good recall isn't something that will happen overnight. You'll notice that the instructions I posted at the link suggest to remain on step 1 (just rewarding her for giving you her attention while you stand in front of her) for at least a week, doing it 10-20 times in a day. I would say from step 1 through 4, you may spend anywhere from 3-4 weeks, up to a few months making your way through the steps. And even after you're at step 4, you'll probably want to continue reinforcing the behaviour intermittently, so that the behaviour stays strong.

It can be frustrating at times, but be patient! If you start the training now, and keep up with it (while also completely stopping the reinforcement of the "running away" behaviour by chasing her) you'll see results eventually.

I just wanted to add also, that if it's going inside that you want, there's no need to chase her to get her to come in. Just create a command (I use "inside") and train her for it. For me, I just leashed Casey at the back door, and we practiced "inside" (reward) "outside" (reward) and so on. Now, when I start walking towards the backdoor after we've finished playing, Casey waits with anticipation of the command ("inside") and then races to the door as fast as she can to come inside. I reward this behaviour pretty regularly still, because I know it's tough for a puppy to come inside when asked.

Comment by Jane Christensen on October 20, 2010 at 7:55pm

It will take some time most likely so don't get discouraged:)

Comment by Renata M. on October 20, 2010 at 7:41pm

Carla, this is what is happening. If she comes, she smells my hand looking for the treats!! And go away....Sometimes I chased her, I confess....it's frustrating.I will try the clicker method. It's not my style walk with a bag full of dog's treat.
Let's see tonight how is going to be Lily's behavior.
Thank you all...=)

Comment by Carla on October 20, 2010 at 6:41pm

I gave a very detailed response to someone who was having similar issues here. If you follow these simple instructions, you can have an excellent recall.

I won't go into too much detail, but I am in complete agreement with others who have mentioned not to chase the dog when they don't come. It is also unwise to use treats as a sensory "lure," as the dog may integrate the visual cue of the treat into the command, and only come when the treat is present. This is the beauty of the clicker method - the click represents anticipated reward, without the animal actually seeing or smelling the treat.

Lastly, it's obvious that dogs love to be chased - if you make recalls as much fun (or more so) than being chased, you will stand a better chance of having a reliable recall. When you want the dog to come, start excitably calling their name (perhaps even have a long tug toy present). When the dog gives you her attention, start running in the opposite direction of her, clapping your hands or making noise. She will likely start to chase you. When she catches up to you, drop the tug toy down, and play a short (15-20 second) game of tug with her. Then give her lots of praise and go back about your day. If you keep doing this, she will realize that when you call her name, lots of exciting, good things will happen.

Comment by Cindy on October 20, 2010 at 4:47pm

Never chase a dog to catch them. If one call results in the so called "doggy paw" then turn and walk away. Ignore them. Turn call again and any, any movement towards you is rewarded. Give a happy-good or thatta girl, throw a treat her direction and then turn, walk away, repeat. This time call her name, ask for her to come closer. Reward, retreat, repeat. Each time ask for the dog to come closer and ask for them to do more for the reward. Never reach down and grab at the dog or lunge for them. In the end, the biggest reward might be letting them go and let them run around like a maniac.
The biggest thing to remember is that you are in control. If they don't do what you want, then they don't get what they want. The bases of this is called-Nothing In Life Is Free. I suggest you look it up on the web, read about it. Please take her to an obedience class and establish some rules.

Comment by Jane Christensen on October 20, 2010 at 1:47pm

I agree with the other Jane:)

Comment by Chris West on October 20, 2010 at 11:58am

Have you taken her to obedience class? That would be my recommendation. Frosty was a naughty monster until we took him to class. It made a huge difference.

Comment by Renata M. on October 20, 2010 at 11:04am

Lily is 7 months now, and Jimmy is 5 years...I noticed that is always after they have their "play time" chasing each other, running and "sharing" toys...This morning I called her several times and she came!!! Maybe she thinks that I am a dog and wants to keep playing...forever =)))

Comment by Carole and Sophie on October 20, 2010 at 10:08am

Sophie used to run a way from me all the time when I called her. She is now 2 yrs old and still does this sometimes. I think she is playing a game when she does it. Not sure why she behaves this way either - it is one of her quirky behaviors that I don't understand.

Comment by Jane on October 20, 2010 at 9:36am

I would suggest not chasing her at all if possible. She probably does indeed think you're playing a game with her which is why she runs away from you. I'm assuming she's still fairly young? She probably just needs more practice on her recall; I would try calling her and giving the treat if she comes, and then letting her go play again. Repeat. She will eventually learn that coming to you does not always mean play time is over.