My dog just won’t come when I call him. Help!

Dogs that truly learn to come when called are the dogs that get to join their guardians on the most outings. They get to go places and do things that other dogs never experience. Freedom aside, a dog that doesn't respond to the word “Come!” is at greater risk for accidental injury.

It doesn't take long for a dog to associate a word with what consistently follows the word, particularly if they find it's going to affect him in either a positive or negative manner. For instance, "Do you want to go for a walk?" for most dogs comes to elicit an association with what follows. "Do you want a treat?" might elicit a dash for the kitchen cupboard or nuzzling at your hand or pocket and "Bad Dog!" elicits a run for it.

Our intent with the word “Come!” is that it should mean, regardless of distraction, move right away from point B to point A. If this isn't happening, examine what happens immediately after your use of the word "Come!" and you will understand why when you say "Come!" your dog hears, "If you've got a minute?" Given a choice, which is what you are offering, the dog will always choose what suits him - i.e. chase the rabbit vs. return to guardian. An easy choice, should the rabbit be on the other side of the road.

Somewhere between 10 and 16 weeks of age, all dogs become faster and more agile than human beings. It is at this point that "If you've got a minute?" becomes associated with the word "Come!" If your dog has come to believe that it can catch a squirrel, then "Come!" will in his mind be an option, not an imperative.

To make matters worse, the word "Come!" normally precedes the ending of something the dog was quite enjoying or anticipating the enjoyment of. Things like time in the park, chasing the cat, barking at a neighbour, etc. The word might as well mean "Fun's over.”

The solution is simple enough. Even the playing field between you and the dog by attaching a leash and keeping it within reach whenever you are together, regardless of what you are doing, indoors or outdoors. The length of the leash should be directly proportional to how fast you feel. I use a lunge line for horse-training when outside. The only time I would make sure the dog was not on a lead is during play with other dogs, as they surely will become entangled. The idea is not to eliminate your dog's freedom, just his freedom to make mistakes. (Remember, for safety, the dog must be diligently supervised.) This is the easy part, the hard part is that you have to break old habits and never ask the dog to “Come!” when you are not in a position to back it up - i.e. you've picked up the leash before you say it.

It's also time to incorporate the word into daily events in which the dog can hear the word in association with activities it looks forward to. Here are some examples:

• Keep the leash in hand with you on one side of the doorway and the dog on the other for every trip in and out.
• Do the same for getting in and out of the car.
• Teach your dog to wait at the top and bottom of the stairs every time you go use them and then invite him to join you with the word "Come!"
• Getting up on the furniture, if that is a welcomed behavior in your household, should not be allowed without an invitation. Make that invitation the word "Come!" and your dog will have yet another reason to hear the word in a more positive light.

If you want to reinforce with food, then go ahead. I don't usually recommend food, as far too often it becomes the sole motivator. For something as important as the word "Come!", we want the dog to believe there simply aren't any other options.

Animal Behaviourist John Wade (http://www.johnwade.ca/)