Allowing your dog to run off leash is fine, if you live in the country.
In areas where there is heavy traffic and other animals and children at play it is not a good idea to allow your pooch unlimited freedom, especially without dog behavior training.
Allowing such freedom teaches the dog that he is his own boss and can do what he pleases, that it is more fun being away from his master.
He may even be taught that his fun is ruined when his owner appears.
If every time you call for your dog and he receives an unpleasant activity such as a bath, grooming or a visit to the vet, he will definitely begin to avoid your commands to come, as he will learn that if he does, something he does not really enjoy occurs.
I took this into consideration when thinking about how to train my dog to come when I commanded.
Imagine, for a moment, that you are your dog and having a wonderful time running in the park with your canine friends and here comes your master to ruin your fun.
You are free, so you decide to run off.
If he can't catch you he can not take you away from your friends.
You may even think it's a game when your owner attempts to chase you down, yelling and calling your name.
This is what we do not want and why dog obedience lessons are needed from an early age to avoid this unwanted behavior.
There are certain breeds that have an instinct to run and hunt.
Teaching your dog to squelch these instincts until being told to use them is the key.
Your dog is constantly learning, so make every activity you do as enjoyable as possible, even when a formal training is in session.
Always use praise and rewards whenever possible.
When your dog obeys the command to come, be sure to reward him each time he does so, using "good boy/girl" and offer up a treat if desired to reinforce this positive behavior.
When treats are involved, no dog can resist obedience! Most dogs are food motivated, but consistency is the main issue.
Once your dog learns there are pleasant consequences to his actions, he will be happy to oblige his owner every time a command is made.
When I began to train my dog, I really made an effort to make sure it was enjoyable for both of us, and it really seemed like playtime.
When dog behavior training becomes more of a chore than play, it may be time to consult an expert and enroll both of you in some classes.
In areas where there is heavy traffic and other animals and children at play it is not a good idea to allow your pooch unlimited freedom, especially without dog behavior training.
Allowing such freedom teaches the dog that he is his own boss and can do what he pleases, that it is more fun being away from his master.
He may even be taught that his fun is ruined when his owner appears.
If every time you call for your dog and he receives an unpleasant activity such as a bath, grooming or a visit to the vet, he will definitely begin to avoid your commands to come, as he will learn that if he does, something he does not really enjoy occurs.
I took this into consideration when thinking about how to train my dog to come when I commanded.
Imagine, for a moment, that you are your dog and having a wonderful time running in the park with your canine friends and here comes your master to ruin your fun.
You are free, so you decide to run off.
If he can't catch you he can not take you away from your friends.
You may even think it's a game when your owner attempts to chase you down, yelling and calling your name.
This is what we do not want and why dog obedience lessons are needed from an early age to avoid this unwanted behavior.
There are certain breeds that have an instinct to run and hunt.
Teaching your dog to squelch these instincts until being told to use them is the key.
Your dog is constantly learning, so make every activity you do as enjoyable as possible, even when a formal training is in session.
Always use praise and rewards whenever possible.
When your dog obeys the command to come, be sure to reward him each time he does so, using "good boy/girl" and offer up a treat if desired to reinforce this positive behavior.
When treats are involved, no dog can resist obedience! Most dogs are food motivated, but consistency is the main issue.
Once your dog learns there are pleasant consequences to his actions, he will be happy to oblige his owner every time a command is made.
When I began to train my dog, I really made an effort to make sure it was enjoyable for both of us, and it really seemed like playtime.
When dog behavior training becomes more of a chore than play, it may be time to consult an expert and enroll both of you in some classes.