Coming When Called Question

[Carol]

My Mia is a 9 month old female Australian Labradoodle- extremely sweet!  However......  she has a behavior that I find a little strange.  Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this.

 

For my husband, who is obviously the Alpha, she comes running immediately when called (from outside).  When I go to the door to call her, she will look up and acknowledge that she heard me, but will just stand or sit in place and look at me.  As soon as I go away from the doorway and out of her sight, she will then come to the door.  So she does come when I call her, but not if I'm looking at her.

 

Anyone know why or how to fix?  Inside the house, she comes when I call her - no problem.

[Robin & Josie]

I think Mia's playing a game with you. She may have learned that your DH means business and you're more fun. Who knows? I don't know how much I believe in the Alpha stuff.

I'm guessing, too, that at 9 months, your little girl is doing her obnoxious adolescent "I don't have to do what you tell me unless I feel like it" thing.

I'm told they outgrow this stage. Fingers crossed....

[Carol]

Ah yes, she is definitely in the adolescent phase. 

 

Today when I called and she stood there staring at me (she was on a long line), I started walking toward her and when I got about halfway to her, she ran to me like a bullet - very playfully.  I believe it's a very fun game for her.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Carol ~ are you rewarding her when she does come.  Have a treat in your pocket so you are prepared and when you say come once and she does not come within a 5 or 10 seconds go out to her like you just did.  She ran to you, not away, so I would say "yes" and give her a treat.  They quickly learn that they are going to be rewarded for doing what you ask.  As time goes on and she is coming regularly, you then only treat sometimes and eventually need not treat at all.  Be consistent.  Is she in a formal training class?  I know most people take them to a puppy class, but they also need additional training after that to become a good canine citizen.  Hang in there!  BTW ~ Mia is a doll!

[Carol]

We've done beginner and intermediate obedience classes. I do want to get further training for her though and get her CGC certificate.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

I know, sometimes, they forgot they even went to obedience. LOL 

[Julie and Max]

Also if you have her on a long lead outside it might be best to not walk towards her at all. Call her, and if she doesn't come, you can help her make the right decision by drawing in the lead and then when she gets to you, reward and praise her for doing the right thing. With practice you shouldn't have to help her for very long.

[Carol]

In most cases, I have to walk toward her to get to the tie out stake to pick up the line.  It's not near the door. I always praise her and treat her when she does come.  I think she'll get it eventually if we keep working on it. :)

[Donna Bay & Buzz]

You just described my Bay.  So frustrating.  Hubby uses the same treats I use but for some reason she will listen to him.  She glances up at me as if to say, "yeah, whatcha need and whatever it is, leave me out of it".

 

It has gotten better since we adopted Buzz.  He actually comes when I call.  Very treat driven.  Bay usually follows him in.

Before we got him I rarely let her out loose in the yard unless I was playing ball with her.  I would walk her on leash until she did her business then take her off leash for a few minutes to play.  When done, leash her up again and walk back into house.  Voila! 

 

I'm sure you will get lots of good training advise here but that's what worked for me.  Good luck!

[Yvonne Scott & Miss Ivy]

Funny you mention this. my four month old Ivy does this sometimes too. For the most part though, she comes when called. We have had for one month today, she is still learning , but she just LOVES the snow!