Monday, March 12, 2012

Dog Health Questions: What is the best ‘Call Back' to use for training a dog?

I've been reading some dog training books and got two different training commands for calling your dog.

One said to use such verbiage as, “(dog's name) where are you?” And the other says to call out “Come”. Both explain about voice tone and using reward markers, etc. once the dog arrives at your feet. I thought using something simple like, “Fido, come” would be more like it.

I'm looking at getting a Toy Manchester Terrier and they were bred to hunt rats and other small vermin so they have that go after them instinct so I'm looking for the best verbal command to use for call back if and when off leash.

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Ya, it is called "recall" not "call back", but regardless of what you call it you want your dog to return to you. And on that same note the word you use is not that important. The important thing is that you are consistent with the command word you do chose. The rule to have a strong recall is to have a 1:1 reward schedule. Meaning every time you say the command the dog must follow through and then receives a reward. To ensure follow through when first installing the command use a long line or a drag leash. If you say the command and the dog doesn't respond don't repeat yourself, simply reel the dog in using the leash then reward as if he had come on his own. Then your dog will catch on that when you say the magic word he will get a treat when he gets to you.
In my training classes I teach the traditional "come" command and I also teach a whistle recall. I like the whistle because it is a distinct sound that carries well and will sound the same regardless of who blows it or what your current mood is. However, it is important to install a verbal "come" command as you will inevitably be caught without your whistle at some point. If you choose to do the whistle recall you can start by "loading the whistle" which is similar to loading a clicker. All you do is whistle, treat, whistle, treat until your dog anticipates a treat upon hearing the whistle. Then whistle and start backing up (you can add a little wiggle to get him to follow you) once he comes to you give him a treat. Increase distance once he's gotten this part down. Then add in a stay, walk away, whistle then when he comes to you give a treat. Then randomly throughout the day go hide somewhere in the house and whistle, treat your pup once he's found you. Make it a fun game because the more your dog enjoys preforming a command the more reliable he will be.
Keep in mind that you must never use your verbal command in a negative context. If your calling "come, Fido" predicts nail trims, baths, or leaving the dog park you can bet the behavior will start to fall apart. And use something super high value and something he only gets for recall as your reward. Like Fido only gets warm cut up hot dog or chicken when we practice recall.
I'm glad you're thinking about training and breed specifics BEFORE you're getting your dog. That is highly responsible of you! I wish I could have more pet parents like that in my classes. Lastly, do sign up for a positive reinforcement basic doggy manners class once you get your dog. It's a great social opportunity for him and a bonding experience for the both of you. Good Luck!

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  • The best training cues would be both the verbal cue and something to catch his attention. Usually dogs find it easier to remember something short & sweet - "Come" and "Here" are the perfect words to use, but you could get creative and use other words.

    When you're training him, catch his attention by quickly popping the leash. Snap it lightly so he looks at you, call him, and reward him when he comes to you. You seem to understand the concept of positive reinforcement quite well - kudos!

    Hope that helps :)

  • I would use (Name) - Come if giving a verbal command. I normally use a whistle, having trained my dogs to sit and wait for a whistle before they are permitted to eat. As many dogs' brains seem to be directly connected to their stomachs this works brilliantly, specially when you use a reward such as one tiny piece of dry dog food when they respond.

    Whatever you decide, remember that you get the best results if you begin training from day 1. Good luck

  • ok, this is what I do with my terrier mix:

    Name- Their name cue, means to come back to me, good things happen. I played stuff a puppy when she was younger. Now when I say her name, she zeros in on me.

    Come- I also use a cue word that means, you sprint back to me with a huge grin on your face and you will get insanely good things (baby food, tripe, etc). Mine is "ici". I use that because it's unique, she only ever hears it when I pair it with that insanely good stuff.

  • sigh..............the word is RECALL.
    "Dog,COME!"
    Dog to alert to a command ,then the command-NOT to recall until that word.

    Honey,you'll be disappointed w/the breed.....I've been doing terrier-work for decades-countless breeds & never had a Manchester-toy or standard-that showed *any* interest in quarry at all....zero.REFUSE to learn from experts....who cares-your loss,your waste,your problem

  • "[name] Come" it the traditional and best word command, I prefer a whistle, my dogs respond to a non-mechanical whistle and the whistle I keep on my key chain for distance recalls.

  • My dogs knows two. I use his name, Buddy, and the phrase "C'mon, boy." (I'm a little southern) He'll also come when I whistle or pat my thigh. I would use a whistle or something short and sweet like "Come."

  • A short, unique command is usually best. I use "here". I preface it with their name to get their attention. Both dogs are trained to look to me for further direction when their name is said.

  • I use their name and "come" with all my dogs.

  • Try something short and sweet, something you won't say unless you are calling your dog.Say the dog's name and then the command...

    For trainig, try buying a 20 or 30 feet long leash and use it to stop your dog from running away when outside, even if your further away then a couple of feet. But be patient with a terrier since terriers are (for most of them) hard headed and a little harder to train, but they are great dogs with alot of energy.

    Good luck with the training

  • That's okay Mandy, I have a training book that calls the command a Call Back as well. So what if it has to be referred to as Recall just because it was mentioned in someone else's book or was told that is the only thing it's called. Gezz!

    Everyone has their own dog preferences and everyone seems to be an expert on everyone else's dog, like the poster Elaine (sigh).

    Elaine
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    There is no perfect dog that everyone would agree on but at least you're trying to get some advice on the dog YOU like. Have fun with your new TMT!

  • a word you normally would NEVER use unless its the "Call back" personally, i use the spanish word for "here" which is aqui.. i trained my dog with hotdogs so she knows that word is special and equates it with a special treat. i use this as my emergency call only and it has saved her life several times ex. running into busy road... good luck!

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