The Chase Me game uses your dog’s love of chase to reward him for coming to you. Remember, never chase your dog, always get your dog to chase you. Reward him when he “catches” you.
Last month’s Pet Page article, www.thecolumbiastar.com/articles/will-you-come-to-me, gave tips on the foundation for building a reliable coming when called, or recall, behavior from your dog. This article will outline some games and tips that build on that foundation and the principles of building a reliable recall behavior.
As a reminder, coming to you should always be something positive for your dog. Decide the best treats or play that you can use as rewards for your dog as you are training. If you want a reliable and happy response, never call your dog to come and then do something that he doesn’t like, such as giving him a bath or medicine.
Never punish your dog if he doesn’t respond promptly. If your dog does not respond, go back and train more. You may need to increase the value of the reward, or practice in a less distracting environment.
In the last article, we said to start training first by conditioning the word “Come,” saying the word and giving your dog a treat each time you say the word. At least two times a day count out ten treats, say “Come” and give your dog one of the treats. Say “Come” when you put his dinner bowl down. He will not actually be coming to you, but he is learning that the word Come predicts good stuff. Pair the word with anything he likes.
Want a dog that comes happily and quickly every time? Practice often and reward with super high value treats and praise. Don Hanson’s Muppy has learned that coming when called is rewarding.
Once your dog perks up at the sound of the word Come, you are ready to begin playing coming when called games.
Begin playing the games where there are no distractions such as in your house or the backyard.
Round Robin: This game requires two or more people. It can be played indoors or out. I recommend starting this game indoors, then trying it outdoors later. Have the players sit in a circle. Sit about 10 feet away. As the dog begins to understand the game, you can spread out more. Each person takes turns calling the dog’s name, followed by the recall cue. Each person rewards the dog with lots of excited praise and super treats. Mix it up. Don’t always call him in the same order or he will learn the pattern.
If you find your dog coming to you on his own, say Come and reward him with good treats and praise.
Hide and Seek: This is a game that can be played indoors or outdoors. Begin by hiding in obvious places where your dog can easily see you. You may need a helper to hold your dog while you hide. Call him with your recall cue. Reward him with super treats or a play session when he finds you. If he is having trouble finding you, hide in an easier location. Once he is successful and understands the game, you can hide in more difficult places. Outdoors, you can hide behind trees, around the corner of the house or behind outbuildings. Gradually hide in more difficult places so he has to actually search to find you ( don’t hide so well that he gives up). Remember, reward liberally with super treats or play and lots of praise!
Send away and come back: This is a game that you can play with just one person, indoors or out. Have a low value treat (like a piece of kibble or a small, dry dog biscuit) and a super high value treat ( moist and meaty, preferably not a commercial treat). Show your dog the low value treat and toss it away from you for the dog to eat, telling him to “go get it.” As he is finishing the treat, call him with your recall cue (in a happy, excited voice) and reward him with the super treat when he comes. Keep tossing the boring treats, calling and rewarding with the high value treats and tons of praise. Toss and reward as fast as you can to build your dog’s speed and enthusiasm.
Before you can expect your dog to come when called off lead or in distracting areas, you must spend time training at home and less distracting areas. Kimberly Seymour practices frequently and in all kinds of environments.
Chase me: Dogs love to play chase! In a fenced area with your dog off lead, let him wander off or wait until he is interested in something besides you. Call his name and use your recall cue in an excited, happy voice. As soon as he turns to look at you, run away from your dog, laughing, clapping, and calling his name. Make it a fun chase, dart around, change direction, grab a toy. When your dog finally catches you, make sure it is big fun! Note: NEVER chase your dog. If your dog doesn’t come immediately when you call him, bribe him by showing him treats or just go to him and get him. If your dog continually runs away from you, then you need to work on the foundation exercises more before playing this game.
Train successfully in fenced in areas, like Angela de Anda is doing before expecting your dog to come to you off lead.
Once your dog responds readily to these games, buy a 20- to 30-foot leash and begin practicing in your front yard, then other locations in the neighborhood, then in new locations such as nearby parks.
These are some fun games to play to assist you in training a reliable recall. If you are still struggling with getting a response from your dog, contact one of the reward-based trainers in the Alliance of Force Free Animal Professionals, www.alliance-of-force-free-animal-professionals.com for assistance.
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