I’ve been working with the puppies to make them respond when I am outside with them and they are off the leash. I want them to come when I call them. In the past they ignored me and just went on their merry way, but I have learned a little secret.
You see, I have these horrible smelling liver treats that the dogs all love. They will do just about anything with the hope that they will get one of these things. So before I take them out, I fill up my pockets with these things.
The puppies will run around, they will even start to go to the big field in back of our home, but one call to them now reminds them of the liver treats in my pocket and they come running back!
Today I tried a little test. I walked up the hill to our neighbors house, with the puppies off leash. They followed happily and played in the yard. Whenever I noticed them starting to stray, I would call out “TREATS“, and they would come running back to me.
I know I cannot trust them in the yard. I still have to watch them like a hawk. I am, however, feeling pretty good about how their off leash training is going.
Wolfie used to know I would pack treats in my bag for this purpose, and when I would leave the bag on the floor he would go rooting for treats 😀
Great, Maribeth! Another little trick is to give the command (like “come”) then say “treats” right away. Gradually lower your voice when saying “treats”, until they just come to “come”. Have fun! Michele