Training

Training Tips - Come When Called

I recently trained the sweetest female Labrador Retriever named Peppa. She knew her commands yet when Helen & her daughter Georgia came to pick up Peppa to bring her home, I was quite surprised when Peppa decided to chase my cat across the street to the neighbour’s yard. I explained all the things that we should be doing to get our doggie to come to us yet sometimes we just need to go and get them. A little bit of a wake up call as I had considered her trained on the come command yet I didn’t include major distractions like a cat! So when you are training your dog, remember to factor in some distractions that you might forget about. Enjoy the steps

To Train your dog to Come to you every time!

To get your dog to come to you every time that you call them can be challenging when there are major distractions. However, it is better if you work up to those distractions in a positive learning environment.

• I would use short distances at first in the house. Then tell them “Rover Come” in a cheerful and encouraging voice. As soon as they look at you (even for a split second) strongly encourage them in with kissy noises, clap your hand, voice praise.
• At the beginning it is easier to turn your body to the side and possibly kneel down to help encourage them in.
• Once they come to you then reward with food and/or 30 seconds of praise.
• I would suggest to not ask for the sit at the beginning as then they will be rewarded for the sit and not coming to you.

Once they are coming to you in the house with short distances:

• Call them, then take their collar and give them the reward to prevent the Hi, Goodbye situation.
• Always praise the come first with your voice and then take their collar before you reward them.

Once they come in the house reliably then the next step is bring them outside on leash. After some success on a training lead then add some off leash training, then add in distractions, distance and time.

Today’s training challenge is to have your dog come to you from 5 different situations before bedtime!

If you have any questions at all on these training tips then please send me an email at Marcia@happyhound.ca or give me a call 613-253-5535, and I will walk you through the process and give you extra tips to help with your success.

Sadie

Sadie is a miniature Goldendoodle with lots of affection and love ready to give. Sadie who will be available for adoption after she is fully housetrained, chew toy trained, completely socialized along with all the basic commands. If you are interested in Sadie, please send us an email Marcia@happyhound.ca for more details and information.

Featured Treat

Canadian Elk Antlers!

Long-lasting healthy dog chews. These antlers have no odours, slime or stains and they do not break or splinter.

There are a variety of shapes and sizes yet you want to look for the antlers that are split down the center. That is where the calcium & other vitamins are and these will keep your doggie motivated to continue to chew on these items rather than chairs, baseboards, shoes and items that you would like to protect!

Check these out!

Recipe

Dogs love a variety of treats. This edition we have for you: Tuna Treats! Thanks Judi Roy!

I worked with a recipe from my client, Judi Roy and tweaked it a little to get the consistency of freeze dried treats.

It worked!

1 can of tuna in water (undrained)
¾ cup of whole wheat flour
¼ tsp of garlic salt
1 egg
1 tbsp parmesan cheese

Mix and spread onto parchment paper.
Bake @ 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
Cool, store in baggies to use within 2-3 days or freeze.
My dogs love these!

Dog Facts & A Free Evaluation!

Dog Facts:

Prevent Separation Anxiety

To prevent separation anxiety, please come home and walk right through without even looking at your dog. If they are in a crate then just open the door and take them outside without talking to them for 5 minutes!

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Please click on 'questionnaire' above for a free evaluation. You can fill out our form on line or you can download this form here and send to us via fax or mail.