| Dogs aren't really stubborn. But they often do not | | | | say stubborn but just reluctant, leash and collar |
| clearly know what is wanted. Make it clear by | | | | training can be a useful supplement. |
| quickly establishing alpha (dominant leader) status. | | | | Put the dog in a sit/stay and back off a few feet |
| Be willing to exercise the patience and modest, | | | | reeling out the slack leash. If the dog refuses to |
| firm forceto get the desired behavior. This can be | | | | come, give a gentle but unmistakable tug while |
| particularly challenging when training a 'dog'. | | | | executing the voice command and hand gesture. |
| Dogs naturally want to explore the environment. | | | | For the dog who comes a little to readily, get a |
| They sniff everything, turn things over, dig and | | | | long leash or rope and wrap around a tree or |
| snatch small objects. | | | | post. As the dog lifts off too early, give the leash |
| As with any dog training session, minimize the | | | | a tug and execute a 'stay' command. |
| distractions by arranging to be as alone and far | | | | If you do not have a tree handy, try to find a |
| from other voices as possible. | | | | partner to help with the training. The downside to |
| A backyard with a clear area or a large room | | | | using a partner is the dog will more readily |
| with few small objects on the floor is best. | | | | become confused about whom to obey. Focus on |
| Take advantage of spontaneous behavior by | | | | a single person is always more efficient. |
| observing when the dog is heading toward you | | | | As with any training, patience and consistency are |
| and execute a voice-command/hand gesture pair | | | | essential. Dogs don't spontaneously understand |
| that's unique for this behavior. | | | | the usefulness of 'come' or any other |
| Try to select a hand-gesture and word that you | | | | human-induced behavior. Speaking harshly when |
| wouldn't normally use except during training. | | | | the dog commits errors or is willful is usually |
| Start by facing the dog, putting it in a sit. Execute | | | | counter-productive. |
| the 'stay!' command, then back away a step or | | | | Establish alpha status by firmness of voice, body |
| two. Issue the hand-gesture and voice command. | | | | posture and willingness to wait for compliance. |
| Praise lavishly for the correct behavior, but never | | | | Physical restraint or leading is a less helpful |
| reward 'partial' or incorrect ones. | | | | technique. |
| Repeat, stepping further away. If the the dog | | | | Most dogs quickly prove themselves eager to |
| comes too soon, put it in a sit/stay and try again. | | | | please and responsive to praise following the |
| If the dog won't come at all, encourage with a | | | | correct behavior. Just make sure they're the ones |
| treat or favorite toy. | | | | 'coming', not you. If necessary, prove that you're |
| For the very slow learners or the, well let's not | | | | the stubborn one. |