This game is a fun
way to teach your dog how to come to you when called. In addition, you
will be desensitizing your dog to having his/her collar held. To play
this game, you will need two people. We recommend one adult and one
child for this game. Try playing this game outside in a fenced yard.
Remember, your dog should not be off-leash in an unfenced
area.
How to Play:
Each person should have some treats in his/her
pocket or bait bag.
To start,
you should stand about 10 feet apart.
One
person
should call the dog to him/her, saying the dog’s name first, and
then “Come!" or “Here!”
Example:
“Scooby, come!” Make sure you use a happy voice. NOTE:
Choose either "come" or "here" and use only that word ALL the
time.
If your dog
doesn’t come right away, show the dog the treat and then repeat the
cue.
As soon as your
dog comes to you, praise him or her saying, “Good dog!” As you
praise your dog, gently reach down and hold your dog’s collar while
giving a treat at the same time.
The other
person should then call the dog in a happy, excited voice.
Remember to praise, touch the collar, and give the treat.
Repeat this
recall exercise a few times, for about 5-10 minutes. If your dog is
doing well after the first few times, you can gradually increase the
distance between you and the other person.
Poppy's Tips:
- Do not play
this game too long. You want the game to be fun and upbeat. If you
play it too long, your dog may become bored and not want to play.
You should end the game while it is still fun.
- When you end
the game, you can give the dog a big reward. Examples of rewards
you can end the game with are: lots of praise, petting, a belly
rub, some special treats, a few minutes of fetch, a favorite toy,
etc.
- As your dog
demonstrates success at this game, you can vary it by having one
person in one room, and one person in another, calling the dog
back and forth from room to room. This is a fun activity you can do
on a rainy day!
