Page 328 - The Complete Dog Breed Book Choose the Perfect Dog for You, New Edition (DK)

328 C ARE AND TR AINING

Returning on cue TOP TIPS
All dogs love being able to go to the park or out into the
country where they can run free, really stretching their legs ■ Always praise your
dog for coming when
and playing with toys or other dogs. However, until your dog called, no matter how
has learned to return when you call, it is not safe to let him long it has taken him.
off his leash. You may come across someone who is nervous Resist the urge to scold
him for taking his time;
around dogs or perhaps encounter another dog that is not it will only make him
friendly. Your dog may catch sight of a rabbit or squirrel and reluctant to return
run after it toward a road. No matter what the distraction, in the future.
part of responsible dog ownership is keeping your dog under ■ Using a whistle as
control—even when he is off-leash. Teaching your dog to your recall command
can be useful, as it is a
come when he is called is imperative. very clear noise that
Puppies are born with a natural instinct to follow, and they travels a long way.
never want to be far from you. This makes it easy to get your
puppy used to the meaning of the word “come” at an early When he responds well on the leash, switch to an extending
age. When your puppy is a short distance away from you, leash and practice the command before letting him off
crouch down and throw your arms wide, calling his name. As completely. Find a safe place to experiment with this stage.
he hurtles toward you, tell him he is a good boy and insert Teaching your dog to fetch a toy is a great way to reinforce
your cue “come.” Always reward him with an extra-special the command “come” through play. When your dog has
treat for coming when he is called so that he knows it is reached a toy you have thrown, he will want to bring it back
worthwhile. As he gets older and more independent, he will to you so that you can throw it for him again. Asking him to
be less keen to run straight to you and more likely to continue “come” as he naturally returns to you helps him learn this
investigating whatever else has caught his attention. On your command. Teaching your dog to fetch properly will also
first walks with your dog, teach him on a leash to come when prevent him from developing problem behaviors, such
called, until you are confident he will respond every time. as stealing items and running off.

TRAINING | COME WHEN CALLED

Show your dog that you have a really tasty treat in your hand Turn and face your dog, crouch down, and spread your arms
or
wide
1 e moving a short distance away. If your dog will not wait, 2 . In a loud, cheerful voice, call your dog’s name and ask
be
f
ask someone else to gently hold onto the end of his leash. him to “come.” Keep calling until he responds.

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