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Home > Archive > Feb 7, 2008

Let's talk dog
By Skyler Staats
Dear Skyler.

We adopted an 11 week old Labrador from the pound named Toby.  She is so good with my three small children.  We all love her, but when she is outside she does not come when called. We are a busy family, and I don’t have time to chase a puppy around the backyard.  No matter how loud I say (or yell) her name, she will not come.  I had her checked out by the vet and she does not have a hearing problem.  What can I do?
Thank you,   Mom on the Verge.

Dear Mom on the Verge,

Sometimes having a puppy is like adding another a baby to the family. They can be just as time consuming as children. I understand your frustration; the good news is dogs are a quick study. Better yet, after you have trained her it gets much easier. At her young age, it is very possible that your puppy does not understand what you are asking of her.  Out of frustration many people yell out their dog’s name and demand them to come over. “Toby, T-o-b-y, get over here right now!”   The last thing this little puppy wants to do is walk over to a person who is angry with her. So she runs the other way, and the chase begins.  She is playing the game follow the leader, and she is the leader.
The best thing to do is start from scratch.  Take a deep breath; and make sure you have the next fifteen minutes to devote to your puppy with no distractions.  With a doggie treat in hand, say her name in a light, fun (but not excited) tone. Each time you say her name, hold the treat in front of her nose then bring the treat up to your face at eye level.  When she looks at you, give her the treat.  Follow up with saying,”Good Toby.” Do this a handful of times.
Next, you will play follow the leader but this time you will be the leader.  As you have already experienced, puppies love to play chase. It is one of the ways they establish who the leader will be.  If you make training fun like a game, your dog will respond quickly. You are already playing the game follow the leader, but now you will reverse the roles, making Toby the follower.
With treat in hand again, lower your hand to the side of your leg, knee length.  While saying repeatedly; “Toby, Come” in a fun, light tone of voice, quickly step backwards a few steps (10 or so) making her chase you. When she reaches the side of your leg, give her the treat and say, “Good Toby”.  It is important when doing this exercise not to reach forward with the treat. Make sure your hand, remains at the side of your leg.  If you reach out to give her the treat first, she did not come all the way to you, second, you are not establishing trust with your puppy, and third, your puppy still has the room to turn and run the other way.   So keep the treat by your side till she is even with your leg.
Repeat this a dozen times or so during one training exercise. Remain consistent with your training doing this exercise everyday. Each day, increase the distance from you and your puppy. Make it family affair, and have your children take part in the game as well.  With the children at one end of the yard, and you at the other, take turns calling Toby over.  Just like the childhood game “Red Rover” but sending Toby right over.
Remember to take a few steps back to ensure Toby is still is chasing you a bit, and then give her the treat with your hand by your side.  This will be a fun game for Toby and for the kids.  After a couple of weeks you will no longer need treats, but every once in while give Toby a treat, it will keep her guessing.
This training exercise will give your puppy a new association when she hears her name  She will now think… ‘Hhmm, I get treats and praise when they say my name.  I’m heading over there.’  With this new, calm, fun approach your dog will stop running away from you and will start following the leader, you and your family. Your frustration will be gone, and the kids will have fun training their little puppy.
Skyler is a professional dog trainer and behaviorist. Through her business, Skyler Staats, Dog Trainer and Behaviorist, she has helped hundreds of people successfully learn to modify their dog's behavior. She also works with PAWS, a local non profit animal rescue group. You can contact her with your questions at editor@hvjournal.com. She  keeps a record of previous questions addressed on her web site,  thedogtrainer@SkylerStaats.net.

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