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