How to Train a Stubborn Dog to Come
Dogs can be a great deal of fun, but they are also a big responsibility. Training your dog to respond to basic commands will make life for you and your pet easier. Knowing how to respond to commands such as "come," "stay," "sit" and "wait" is essential for a well trained dog. If you have a particularly stubborn breed such as an English bulldog, training can be slightly more challenging. Follow these simple tips to learn how to train your stubborn dog to come when you call his name.
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Instructions
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Make sure your dog knows his name. Just because you call your precious pup "Jake" does not mean that he knows that. To see if he knows his name, call it out when he is close to you but not looking at you. If he makes no response, he probably doesn't know it. Teach him his name by calling it and reinforcing him with a treat when he looks at you. At first, he may just look at you to see why you are making so much noise. Eventually, however, he will start to associate the name you call out with your desire for a response from him.
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Use the same phrase when you call her. Most dogs understand only a limited number of phrases. Saying "come here," "come to me," "over here" and "come now" may not mean the same thing to your pup. Choose one phrase such as "come" and stick with it.
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Use reinforcement. Some dogs will learn to come quickly, especially if they have a strong desire to please. If you have a stubborn dog, pleasing you may not be part of the equation. Train your dog to come by rewarding him with a treat every time he responds to your command. He'll soon be motivated to come when he learns a treat is involved. Continue to call and reward him until he comes on command consistently. This may take two or so weeks, depending on how long you work with him.
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Consider taking a dog-training class such as that offered at Pet Smart. A certified dog trainer who runs the class can give you further insight on training your particularly stubborn dog.
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Tips & Warnings
Once your dog comes consistently on command, give him treats randomly to maintain his obedience.
