How to Train a Stubborn Dog to Come: Effective Techniques

Training a dog to come when called is essential for their safety and your peace of mind, but what do you do when you have a stubborn canine companion? It can be frustrating when your dog seems to ignore you, especially in potentially dangerous situations. Don’t worry, with the right approach and some patience, you can absolutely Train A Stubborn Dog To Come. This guide will walk you through the process, using positive reinforcement and understanding your dog’s unique personality. We’ll explore the reasons behind stubbornness, offer practical training tips, and provide long-term strategies for success.

Understanding Why Your Dog is Being Stubborn

Before diving into training techniques, it’s important to understand that your dog isn’t being deliberately disobedient. What we perceive as stubbornness is often rooted in other reasons:

• Lack of Clear Communication: Your dog might not understand what you’re asking. If your “come” command is inconsistent or not reinforced effectively, they might not grasp the expected behavior.
• Distractions: The environment plays a huge role. A dog highly motivated by scents or other animals might find it challenging to focus on your command.
• Negative Associations: If your dog associates “come” with something negative, like a bath or ending playtime, they will be hesitant to approach.
• Breed Traits: Some breeds are naturally more independent and less eager to please, which can be mistaken for stubbornness. For example, german words to train a german shepherd might need a different approach compared to other breeds.
• Lack of Motivation: Is your dog being adequately rewarded? If the reward isn’t valuable enough, they have no real incentive to come when called.

Essential First Steps for Training a Stubborn Dog

Before starting formal training, it’s important to lay the groundwork for success:

• Build a Strong Bond: A solid relationship built on trust and positive interactions makes training much easier. Spend quality time playing, cuddling, and engaging with your dog.
• Find High-Value Rewards: Experiment to determine what your dog finds most irresistible. This could be a favorite treat, a special toy, or even verbal praise paired with a scratch behind the ears.
• Start in a Controlled Environment: Begin training in a quiet, distraction-free area such as your home. This will allow your dog to focus and learn more effectively.
• Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun: Dogs, especially stubborn ones, have short attention spans. Keep sessions to 5-10 minutes and end on a positive note.
• Be Patient and Consistent: Training a stubborn dog takes time and consistency. Avoid getting frustrated and stay committed to your training plan.

Step-by-Step Guide to Training a Stubborn Dog to Come

Here’s a structured approach to help you train a stubborn dog to come reliably:

1. Start with the Basics:

   • Use a positive and cheerful tone of voice when giving the “come” command.
   • Say their name first, followed by the command, “Come, [dog’s name]!”
   • Start with your dog close by.
   • Encourage your dog to come to you using a favorite treat or toy.
   • When they reach you, give a huge reward with praise.

2. Use a Long Leash:

   • As your dog becomes consistent indoors, progress outdoors with a long leash.
   • Say the command, and gently pull on the leash if needed, as you use your body to move backward.
   • When they come to you, again praise and reward lavishly.
   • The long leash provides a safety net, while allowing for some freedom.

3. Practice with Distractions:

   • Gradually increase distractions, start in the same controlled area, but with the TV on or family members in the room.
   • Move to a secure garden or park when your dog becomes consistent, while on the long leash.
   • Reward them immediately and make sure the reward is bigger, if you need to, to overcome the new distraction.
   • Use these situations to reinforce the ‘come’ command around other things they are interested in.
   • Ensure you are very positive with your encouragement, your dog needs to see you as a fun and exciting thing, compared with other distractions.

4. Off-Leash Training (Proceed with Caution):

   • Only start off-leash training in a securely fenced area when your dog consistently comes when called on a long leash.
   • Start with short distances and gradually increase.
   • Continue to offer a reward for successfully coming when called.
   • Always have the long leash handy, if you feel you need it.
   • Be prepared to regress and use the long leash, if the dog does not respond as you expect them to.

5. Incorporate the Come Command into Daily Life:

   • Don’t just use the come command during training sessions.
   • Use it when your dog is approaching you for attention or during play.
   • Always reward the behavior, this way it is reinforced and becomes habitual.
   • This helps your dog understand that coming to you is a generally positive interaction.
   • This is something you should always be doing, even if your dog is not stubborn.

“Patience and consistency are key when training a stubborn dog,” says Dr. Emily Carter, a certified canine behaviorist. “It’s important to understand their motivations and tailor your training methods accordingly.”

Advanced Tips for Stubborn Dogs

• The Recall Game: Turn recall practice into a fun game, such as hide-and-seek, rewarding your dog when they find you and come when called.
• “Emergency Recall”: Choose a specific command (e.g., “NOW!”) for situations where immediate recall is critical, using only for this specific need, and always with high value reward.
• Avoid Chasing: Never chase after your dog if they don’t come, this can often turn into a chase game. Instead, run in the opposite direction encouraging them to follow you, before calling “come”.
• Be a Fun and Engaging Owner: Make coming to you the most enjoyable thing your dog can do.
• End training sessions on a success: No matter how long it has taken to achieve the ‘come’, always end your session with a successful recall and positive praise.

Why Positive Reinforcement is Key

Positive reinforcement involves rewarding desired behaviors, making it more likely your dog will repeat those actions. It’s much more effective than punishment, which can create fear, anxiety, and further resistance. When training a stubborn dog, positive reinforcement should be your go-to strategy. Remember to use high-value treats, praise, and toys to keep your dog motivated and engaged. You can find even more positive reinforcement techniques at teach your dog to come when called.

“Using positive reinforcement creates a positive association with training,” notes Dr. Mark Thompson, a renowned dog trainer. “This helps your dog view training as an opportunity for fun and rewards, rather than a stressful experience.”

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Inconsistency: Mixed signals will confuse your dog, so keep the same command and response throughout.
• Punishment: Never punish your dog for not coming, this creates negative associations with the command.
• Too much at once: Break down training into small and manageable steps.
• Lack of patience: Remember training takes time and consistency, especially for stubborn dogs.
• Overuse of the command: Do not overuse the word ‘come’ for things like putting the dog in a crate, or bath times. Use other words for these specific circumstances.
• Giving up: Don’t get discouraged, even if it feels like you are not making progress, perseverance is key.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: Why does my dog come sometimes but not others?
  A: It could be due to inconsistent training, distractions, or a lack of high-value rewards. Identify the patterns and adjust your approach accordingly, ensure the same command and response is used each time.

• Q: My dog is really stubborn, will he ever learn to come?
  A: Absolutely. All dogs can learn with the right training, patience and consistency. Focus on positive reinforcement and understanding your dog’s individual motivations.

• Q: How long will it take to train my stubborn dog?
  A: It varies, but expect weeks or even months. The key is to remain patient and consistent with training sessions, and to practice often. Every dog learns at their own pace.

• Q: What if my dog is more interested in scents and other dogs than me?
  A: Use higher-value rewards, train in less distracting environments, and gradually work your way up to situations with more stimuli. Make yourself more exciting than all the other distractions.

• Q: Should I use a whistle for the come command?
  A: A whistle can be a useful tool, but it needs to be consistently paired with the come command. It can be helpful for distance recall, but is not needed for most dogs, to begin with.

Conclusion

Training a stubborn dog to come can be challenging, but definitely possible with the right techniques. Remember, consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are vital. Understanding your dog’s motivations and tailoring training to their unique needs is the key to success. You can find additional training techniques to train your dog to come back at this useful link. Embrace the process and enjoy the special bond that comes with successfully training your loyal companion. Remember, it’s not just about teaching a command, but about building a trusting and respectful relationship with your dog.

For those interested in further reading on basic commands, check out basic commands to teach your dog for a comprehensive overview. You might also be interested in this article: best commands to teach your dog.

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