The average dog can quickly figure out that when you call them and grab their collar, the fun is over. To avoid this, try catching your dog repeatedly during a play session, give him a treat or scratch him up really good and then let him go and say "free!" or "go play!", anything to give him the
idea that the fun is going to continue. Then when it's really time to go he won't be so reluctant to come to you and let you grab his collar. It also teaches him that it's safe to check in with you now and then without the fear that the fun time will end when he comes near you.
Another thing to remember is never to scold you dog when he finally comes to you even if he has been running all over the dog park, or the neighborhood for hours. No matter how frustrated you are, praise him or give him a treat when he comes. That will give him a good reason to come to you the next time you call! Since I learned this concept, my dogs started coming to me even if I scold them from across the yard for barking too much or getting into the garden they come running quickly towards me after I fuss at them. They know there is a good chance they will get affection or a treat, or that I will play a quick game of tug-o-war as a reward for ending the unwanted behavior that I asked them to stop. That's how dogs think!
Remember, we need to learn the way they think in order to be effective dog trainers and leaders.
Have a doggone good day!
Mary
Power Paws Dog Rehabilitation and Training Contact us at:powerpaws@live.com or 321-302-4142
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