How on earth do I get my dog to come when called?
I know this question is all over the internet, but I'm hoping for some bespoke advice. I am a first time dog owner. I am not successful at training my dog, despite two obedience classes, practicing, and trying my damndest to stay consistent. I have read dog training books and googled. My dog is almost three and he refuses to come when called. If I try to go into the yard he runs away from me and I have read many times over not to chase. High value treats don't work (deli meat, hot dogs, I've waved all kinds of things at him), me running away doesn't work, a high pitched voice does nothing, me falling to the ground doesn't get him to come over, etc etc.. I've had others in my life be like "holy crap you got a really tough dog for your first dog lol" after watching me work with him but I also know I'm not doing great because despite him knowing his toys by name, he won't do anything he doesn't wanna do, and that's on me.
Sometimes, when totally exasperated, I ask him "do you want breakfast/dinner?" Except, if he's recently had those meals or it's the middle of the day he's like "yeah right lady" and just stands there (if it is inching towards that time he comes bounding).
The closest we've got is this: To get him inside before I go to work each morning, I put a tiny bit of kibble in his dish and rattle it and say once and loudly COME! And when he does (this is about a 70% success rate) I praise intensely and give him the kibble. He never, in almost three years of this, will come without the food rattle (as in, I can't do this anywhere but home), and again, this only has an 70% success rate.
He gets a one hour run/walk every single day plus we play search games inside, so he's not hurting for outside stimulation or exercise. I love this dog more than anything, but I REALLY need him to recall reliably, and I'm terrified there will be a safety situation where I am unable to get him to come. He is so, so, so stubborn in all kinds of other ways, but getting him to come is my main concern. Please help a novice dog owner out! |
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