wont come when i call

Question
I have a 4 month old chihuahua i know he is baby but when i call him or try to go an grab him he takes off. I need this to stop. sometimes im late i need to go and cant go because im busy chasing him and not too long ago it was pitch dark and took off up hill and I coulndt see anything outside i was crying and screaming and he wouldnt come i had to send my with a flash to run up and down the hill so the dog would chase him and we could catch. if go to grab him he sprints and if i call he wont come, please help me what can I do.

Iris R.

Answer
Hi Iris,

Dogs do not speak English. They don't have any idea that come means come. You have to train the cue to mean come with the behavior. The reason many dogs don't come to us is because we want them to come so we can leave them or end their fun.

Coming to you must be wonderfully and richly rewarding to the dog. The first thing you have to teach your dog is his NAME before you ever teach a come. You are probably thinking that your dog knows his name but I would disagree if when you call your dog's name, he doesn't run right over to you and sit for a treat. You should never call your dog to come when you can't enforce the come (crying and screaming and chasing is not enforcing the come.)  You have to work at the level your baby dog is at which means short recalls for very yummy treats (think cheese or hot dogs, or small pieces of chicken.)

If you have not enrolled in a puppy obedience class now is the time to do it! Also there is a great book called "Really Reliable Recall" that you can buy from DogWise.com

Jaz