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