I just found my paperwork from obedience class today and I have the paper in front of me, telling how to train your dog to come!
Just so you know, this post is going to be a bit long...
This is called the Rotisserie Chicken Program for Recall (Come). The purpose is an exercise to start and reinforce the recall of your dog. This program is recommended for use in a fenced yard or enclosed area.
Instructions
Either cook a chicken or get a rotisserie chicken at your local grocery store. Debone and store all the meat and juice in a plastic container. Store it in the refrigerator.
Anytime you call your dog, only say her name and "Come" once and only once. When she fails to run to you, grabe the container of chicken and walk out to where she is. Stick the container of chicken under her nose and pop the lid open, allowing the aroma to waft around her. Despite her interest in the container and it's contents, ignore her, walk back into the house and return the chicken to the fridge. Give the dog nothing.
Do this again and again until that time comes when you call your dog and she actually comes running, visions of juicy chicken dancing in her head. Don't give it to her - give her a piece of kibble instead.
The second time you call her and she comes, give her a piece of cheese. The third time, give her a piece of hot dog. Not until the fourth time she comes does she get a piece of chicken.
Repeat this process, giving out chicken at random times between giving her other, lower-value rewards such as kibble. Keep her guessing as to exactly when she will get chicken.
Note: You will have to entice your dog with the chicken in six different spots in the yard before she begins responding to your recall from anywhere she might be.
Tips:
Whether you plan to set this exercise up or to do it only when the situation naturally occurs, be sure to wait at least 2 minutes between each recall.
Call your dog only once. Don't stand at the back door, yelling "Come Fido! Fido! Come!"
Chicken is recommended because it's a high-value reward, which means it is something the dog really, really, really likes. You can use other rewards of high-value but do not use dog food or treats. Use those for the lower-reward treats.
Hope this helps!!
