Motivation in Training

Motivating our dogs to pay attention to us on walkd and coming when called can be a challenge.

Walking Tips:  While out on a walk mark/treat every time your dog looks at you. No cues, just wait for that behavior to happen!  Practice first in environments that are low distraction.

Practice stopping and just hanging out with your dog on a loose leash, mark/treat every glance towards you.

Of course a great name being called response is vital, so reinforce in ever increasingly distracting environments calling your dogs name to look at you and mark/treat for that look.

Recall Tips:  Be EXTREMELY HAPPY to see that returning dog, every single time, no matter what the circumstances!  Fake it if you have to, but be happy!  Celebrate every step Rover takes coming back to you.

Blasting out the cue in a military commander voice will not yield better results. Happy and calm yields better results every time.

Run away from Rover after giving the recall cue; dogs love to chase.

When teaching recall remember this:  Would you call a dog that is occupied with a scent in the back forty? Nope! That would be wasting  your time, and beyond the level of training for the dog who is just learning to recall. Using the recall cue to end fun or freedom will only ruin it for you.

Always have the dog on a leash or longer training line if you are not in a fenced in area. This removes the option of not coming when called.

Out in the yard just hanging out: whenever dog voluntarily returns to you, with no verbal cue given, have a p-a-r-t-y, and reinforce with food and happy words. Tasty treats make the best impression, but play is also useful for dogs that are very play oriented, such as a game of tug or fetch. Make something wonderful happen when Rover returns to you.

Practice recalls into the house frequently, not just when your dog has to end the fun.  Call your dog in, let him back out.  Call your dog in, give a treat, wait a moment, let him back out!

If Rover is struggling with being motivated, pick up the food bowl for a week and feed all of the meals from your hand practicing behaviors your dog has learned.  Sit, down, stay, leave it, wait, etc.

If you are struggling with your dog being motivated, give us a call, we can help!

Like Us on Facebook
Follow on Twitter
Check out the services we offer!

@MyBestBuddyDog find us on TikTok!