SLOT MACHINES, ROULETTE WHEELS, &

RECALLS

Thirty-one years ago I found a fifty dollar bill in the middle of a large shopping center parking lot in Ohio. There was no possible way to locate the person who lost that money. Maybe I think I'm lucky. I do still scan parking lot pavements for fifty dollar bills. So ... if you want to teach your dog to reliably come when called, convince her she also might have a lucky streak.

Try some grand reward -- a dog's idea of a fifty dollar bill. Call the dog to come to you several times throughout the day. Pick occasions when you are willing to bet money the dog will respond appropriately.

When she comes on a first call, really surprise her. Offer a chunk of cheese, a piece of hot dog, a slice of pot roast, something really impressive! If you utilize this opportunity to create a genuine event marker, your dog will begin to pay close attention and come when called even though you don't always offer a food treat.

Some folks are reluctant to give rewards; they feel their dogs should come out of "respect" for the human -- because it's the dog's "job" to respond. It's useful to consider dogs are not that much different from us in some behaviors; they're really pleased by a paycheck/reward and will work enthusiastically for a bonus.

You can create a hard-working, happy gambler out of Gypsy. She will come quickly every time you call for just a pat on the head or a single piece of kibble. After all, you could have that doggie jackpot -- another slice of pot roast -- waiting for her! She never knows what to expect. Bingo! Black Jack! It could be her lucky day.

Anyone using this advice -- to reward Frisky in some way each time he comes when called -- is odds on to have created a real gambler. The dog should now be alert and eager to play the "come when called" game. After all, he never knows whether his paycheck will be a pat on the head, a bit of kibble or that jackpot hot dog!

One way to complete Frisky's gambler's profile is for you to use a sound prior to giving him his treat. This can be the word, "Yes!" or a tongue cluck or the snap of a tin cricket clicker. Your dog will soon associate this noise with the idea that he is about to win -- that the "check is in the mail." He will soon give you a requested behavior just to "force" you to make his reward sound. You can begin using fewer actual food rewards.

If Frisky could talk, he'd probably tell you that coming when called is positively rewarding -- never boring. We who do talk admit it's a real pleasure to have a dog that always comes to us. Teach in a safe area. This and more off lead training can be accomplished with almost any dog of any age.

The next time you call your dog to come to you, take a few steps away from him just as he approaches. He will almost certainly come with you. Give your audible signal then stop and reward him. Walk away again calling the dog. Remember, "the check is in the mail," so, signal first, then reward the dog as he walks along with you. At first even a few steps are rewardable responses. Gradually increase the distance walked. Occasionally, go back to square one and simply reward him --handsomely -- for coming quickly when called.

If you want Frisky always on your left side, raise your criteria. Only give your applause (sound) signal followed by that piece of kibble, or the bonus chunk of pot roast when the dog is in the desired walking position.

There is very little difference from the dog's point of view between coming TO you and coming WITH you. Furthermore, if paychecks only come his way when he is where you want, he'll not bother to position himself in an unrewarding situation. He will learn exactly how to earn his paycheck.

When Frisky actually figures out for himself that paying attention to you while walking at your left knee is always positively rewarding, he'll enjoy the "walking nicely" game as much he likes to play "come when called."

This is a nice way to teach youngsters since no leash is needed. Pups are cutting teeth and sometimes have swollen lymph nodes in the collar area. Pressure there often results in chewed up leashes or puppies being unfairly labeled "stubborn."

If these suggestions appeal to you, consider a free catalog from Direct Book Service at dgctbook@cascade.net or 1-800-776-2665. Read about books and videos from Jean Donaldson, Ian Dunbar, Karen Pryor, Gary Wilkes. See the WEBSPOTS "Book Nook."