Question: My dog runs the other way every time I call her. Sammy, can you please help me fix this?

Answer: I sure can! Fixing this is easy if you just change your perspective a bit. You need to understand that us dogs are basically interested in one thing: doing whatever gives us the biggest payoff at the moment. I know that chasing a squirrel or digging in the rosebushes is just a heck of a lot more entertaining than returning to a person who’s going to snap on the leash and end all that fun.

Fixing this is simply a matter of showing your girl that you will always provide her with a bigger and better payoff when she responds to you. But you have to be realistic and not start training in situations that are just way too hard, like calling her away from a rabbit hole. Start nice and easy, like in your living room when nothing much is happening. When I was learning, I needed lots of successful practice in easy situations so I could start to build a good habit of coming to my person each and every time for a wonderful reward. This will be true for your dog, too. And even in these easy first sessions, remember to pay off big time with a special toy or love fest or a yummy piece of chicken (Ummmm, good!). After lots and lots of successful practice, your dog will begin to trust you more and believe that it’s totally worth it to come to you whenever you call her. Just like I did. You’ll prove to her that her fun won’t be over; it’ll just be starting because of all the terrific things you’ll offer as a reward!

Sammy

Email your training question to Sammy today!
Sammy@EveryDogCan.com