Free Tips to Train a Dog to Come When Called

For this Benson training session we worked with Sashi, a one-year-old Shiba Inu pup. Her guardians set up a dog training session with me to work on how to train a dog to come and other dog obedience lessons.

Sashi often doesn’t come when called, likes to jumps up and is what we call a “door dasher.”

“Dog door dashing” happens when a dog bolts through an open door—whether it’s the front door, a car door, or even the door to their crate. It’s a common behavior, but it can be really dangerous. Not only can it result in the dog getting hurt, but it also puts them at risk of running off or getting lost.

This is especially risky in busy places or near traffic. It is important to watch your dog closely. You should also train them to avoid rushing through doors.

Shiba Inu Dog Training Tips

Shiba Inus are a highly intelligent breed, making them relatively easy to train. However, their strong-willed nature can create challenges. They may get easily distracted and test the limits of what they can do.

Shibas can be stubborn, which may lead to aggression. This includes food guarding, fighting with other dogs, and anxiety around strangers. Addressing these behaviors requires a great deal of patience during training.

Shibas can also be distant and aloof. I was glad to see Sashi was friendly when I arrived for our training session.

After talking with the dog’s guardians, I learned that Sashi often runs away when they leave for work. Because of this, they tried to trick her into going to a place where they could catch her.

Over time, this approach can erode the dog’s trust in the humans, at least in that kind of situation. I explained how they cannot use this method in the future to ensure as it will result in the same response from the dog.

How to Train a Dog to Come

The good news is that it is easy to train your dog to come when called. You just need the right approach and some practice with positive dog training. I pulled out a handful of high value meat treats and had the guardians join me on the floor so I could show them how to train a dog to come.

The guardians kept saying the command word again and again. Because of this, they inadvertently taught her to ignore it. By changing the command word, we begin anew. This also helps us get rid of any negative feelings linked to the old word.

I also suggested that the guardians begin training Sashi by petting her. They should say the command word whenever she comes to them on her own. I suggested that they do this for any action she does that they want to encourage, like sitting, lying down, or anything else she does alone. This will build up a positive association with these actions and commands.

It will take some practice to change the leader-follower dynamic. However, Sashi responded well during the session. I bet she will come when called in no time.

ROADMAP to SUCCESS

• Introduce rules and boundaries to help Sashi start to see the humans as leaders and her as a follower.
• Pet Sashi with a purpose to help her start to adopt more of a follower’s mindset.
• Start following through when giving Sashi commands that she does not respond to right away by getting up and following her until she does.
• Use the Escalating Consequences to disagree with any unwanted actions or behaviors within 3 seconds.
• Do not allow Sashi to sit at the window in a sentry position.
• Practice claiming the area around the door by having the other guardian play the part of a “guest” or invite friends over.
• Practice training the dog to come using the technique introduced in the video.