May 17, 2011

I’m confused on what type of correction to use for not coming when called.

Full Question:
Hi Cindy just a brief question, I?ve read your advice and other peoples on your blog and such and am a little confused on the issue, you and some of the other people say it must be 100% compliance to the COME command, the only thing NEVER mentioned is the type of correction used, (this I find most curious as this is the most important part of it). If I punish or firmly correct my dog when he doesn?t come what motivation is it to come once he has disobeyed it and knows there is a correction coming... hence the part where no one tells you how or the type of correction?



Puzzled,
R. P.
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
There is no standard answer as no two dogs are the same. A verbal NO may be a correction to some dogs, and others may need a very strong physical correction. Most dogs fall somewhere in between.

You don’t correct the dog once he gets to you, he gets a correction for NOT responding to the command. If done properly it should not affect the dog’s willingness to come. The key word here is properly, many people berate the dog and continue to scold when they finally do come.

For my own dogs, I set up such a positive association with coming when called from day 1 that they can’t get to me fast enough. Later on if they choose not to come and get a correction it doesn’t override multiple repetitions of positive experiences. I don’t TEACH my dogs to come with corrections, it’s only used later for non compliance when I’m sure it’s warranted.

Cindy Rhodes

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Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
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