| aren't really stubborn. But they often do not clearly | | | | For the very slow learners or the, well let's not say |
| know what is wanted. Make it clear by quickly | | | | stubborn but just reluctant, leash and collar training |
| establishing alpha (dominant leader) status. | | | | can be a useful supplement. |
| Be willing to exercise the patience and modest, firm | | | | Put the dog in a sit/stay and back off a few feet |
| forceto get the desired behavior. This can be | | | | reeling out the slack leash. If the dog refuses to |
| particularly challenging when training a 'dog'. | | | | come, give a gentle but unmistakable tug while |
| Dogs naturally want to explore the environment. | | | | executing the voice command and hand gesture. |
| They sniff everything, turn things over, dig and | | | | For the dog who comes a little to readily, get a long |
| snatch small objects. | | | | leash or rope and wrap around a tree or post. As the |
| As with any dog training session, minimize the | | | | dog lifts off too early, give the leash a tug and |
| distractions by arranging to be as alone and far from | | | | execute a 'stay' command. |
| other voices as possible. | | | | If you do not have a tree handy, try to find a |
| A backyard with a clear area or a large room with | | | | partner to help with the training. The downside to |
| few small objects on the floor is best. | | | | using a partner is the dog will more readily become |
| Take advantage of spontaneous behavior by | | | | confused about whom to obey. Focus on a single |
| observing when the dog is heading toward you and | | | | person is always more efficient. |
| execute a voice-command/hand gesture pair that's | | | | As with any training, patience and consistency are |
| unique for this behavior. | | | | essential. Dogs don't spontaneously understand the |
| Try to select a hand-gesture and word that you | | | | usefulness of 'come' or any other human-induced |
| wouldn't normally use except during training. | | | | behavior. Speaking harshly when the dog commits |
| Start by facing the dog, putting it in a sit. Execute | | | | errors or is willful is usually counter-productive. |
| the 'stay!' command, then back away a step or two. | | | | Establish alpha status by firmness of voice, body |
| Issue the hand-gesture and voice command. Praise | | | | posture and willingness to wait for compliance. |
| lavishly for the correct behavior, but never reward | | | | Physical restraint or leading is a less helpful technique. |
| 'partial' or incorrect ones. | | | | Most dogs quickly prove themselves eager to please |
| Repeat, stepping further away. If the the dog comes | | | | and responsive to praise following the correct |
| too soon, put it in a sit/stay and try again. If the dog | | | | behavior. Just make sure they're the ones 'coming', |
| won't come at all, encourage with a treat or favorite | | | | not you. If necessary, prove that you're the |
| toy. | | | | stubborn one. |