Teaching your Dog to Return

For this training session you should start inside your home. This way you don't have to compete for your dog's attention (as much ....see don't set your dog up for failure. )

There are two ways that I know of, which I'll name for easier identification. The first way, we'll call the Sit Way and the second we'll call the Back and Forth Way

Sit

My dog DP
my halflab half weenie dog jumping
This is best used if your dog knows the "sit" command. Sit your dog with the leash attached to its collar. Back about 4 feet away at the most. Now call it to you, in an excited and extremely happy nature. Clap and don't be embarrassed to act like a silly dog person, its critical to your dog learning this command. When your dog comes to you, reward it with a treat and lots of attention. Repeat.
If your dog didn't come running when you called it, then gently pull Rover to you with its leash while walking backward. Your posture should be bent over and welcoming. Don't get mad even though Rover didn't get it right the first time. You walk backwards because if you run the dog will follow. Its his natural inclination. Rover should be very close to you now. Close the gap and reward him. If that doesn't work then click here or scroll and read the "happy ending" text.

Back and Forth

way is even easier. THis time you have two people and one dog with its leash on. Each person should have treats. The dog starts with one person and the other person calls it. Again, call, clap, and be excited. The first person releases the dog, and the dog runs to the second person who is standing only a few feet away. Now the second person has the dog, and the original handler takes a few steps back. Repeat the process with the second person releasing the dog. The dog runs to the original person and recieves praise.
IF the dog dawdles or stops to sniff something, then most likely you have made the distance too great. Make it easier for the dog, and try again. Don't get irritated.

Happy Ending
If your dog is still having trouble, ask the dog to do something simple. Something that you are sure that the dog can do without any trouble. Reward the dog profusely, and end the training session on that positive note.

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