Ask the Trainer

Off-leash Help

"I have a 7 month old Golden Retriever named "Roxie. She is normally quite good at listening to me when she is off leash, but has recently started ignoring me when I call her to come. She listens perfectly inside or when we are alone but once there is ANY distraction she if off like a rocket. How can I help her listen better so we can enjoy our off leash hikes?"

Many dogs that are originally good at coming when called as puppies often slip up and decrease in consistency as they get older. They are gaining confidence as well as entering adolescence which, like teenage children, make them think they "know all there is to know.

It is important when setting up your expectations for coming when called that you remind yourself what your dog was bred to do. For example, a Golden Retriever is usually better at coming when called than a Husky. Goldens are bred to move away from their owners (hunter) and then come back (with the bird).

Huskies are bred to move away from their owners (musher) and never look back. Husky owners can't set their expectations too high for a perfect recall as genetics tell their dog not to listen!

It is also important to remember that training dogs to do a perfect recall 100% of the time takes about 2 years to train! It is a habit, not a miracle but dogs need to learn first what the command means (with zero distractions) before they can learn to come to you in the presence of greater distractions!

To start the training, have a long line rope (any long length is fine) and tons of highly valuable treats like hot dogs or roast beef. Each treat should be about the size of a Cheerio. Attach Roxie to the rope and go outside. When she is MILDLY distracted, call her name or make an excited sound that will grab Roxie's attention. When she looks at you, show her the treat and, as she is moving towards you, say "Come. As soon as she comes to you ask her to sit and deliver the treat. Walk away and try again.

Once mild distractions become easy for Roxie, start adding in harder distractions to her training. Remember that if, at any time, she is unsuccessful you probably want to try to make things easier for her so that she gets it right! Set Roxie up for success!
Remember that this process takes a lot of time and work! Make sure treats are delicious to your dog and that the long line is attached so that your training is safe!

Good luck!