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11 Secrets to Make Your Australian Shepherd Come When Called

| Published on April 25, 2023

Australian Shepherds are a highly intelligent and energetic breed of dog that are known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners. However, their independent nature can make training them to come when called a challenging task. Whether you’re an experienced dog owner or a first-time pet parent, teaching your Australian Shepherd to come when called is essential for their safety and your peace of mind.

In this article, we’ll explore some tips and tricks for training your Australian Shepherd to come when called, helping you build a stronger bond with your furry friend and ensuring their safety both at home and in public.

Note: For a complete training, we highly recommend this SpiritDog Online Training Course “Coming When Called”.

1. Start with a Strong Foundation

Before you begin training your australian shepherd to come when called, it’s crucial to establish a strong bond with your pet. Spend time playing with your dog, engaging in activities they enjoy, and providing positive reinforcement through praise and treats. Building trust and a strong connection with your australian shepherd will make them more likely to respond positively to your commands.

2. Choose a Distinct Command Word

Select a specific word or phrase for the recall command, such as “come” or “here.” Ensure that the command is distinct from other commands you use and that all family members use the same word consistently. Consistency is critical to avoid confusing your australian shepherd and ensuring that they understand what you expect from them.

3. Begin Training Your Australian Shepherd in a Controlled Environment

Start training your australian shepherd to come when called in a controlled, distraction-free environment like your home or a fenced yard. In the early stages of training, it’s essential to minimize distractions to help your dog focus on learning the new command. As your dog becomes more reliable in responding to the recall command, gradually introduce distractions and practice in various environments.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement with Your Australian Shepherd

When training your australian shepherd to come when called, always use positive reinforcement techniques. Reward your pup with praise, treats, or playtime when they respond to your recall command. This will help create a positive association with the command and motivate your dog to respond consistently. Remember to be patient and consistent in your training, as it may take time for your dog to master the recall command.

If you’re using treats, these are currently the most popular training treats on Amazon.

5. Gradually Increase Distance and Distractions

As your australian shepherd becomes more reliable in responding to the recall command in a controlled environment, begin to increase the distance between you and your dog during training sessions. Practice calling your dog from various distances and gradually introduce distractions, such as other dogs, people, or toys. This will help your dog learn to respond to the command even in challenging situations.

Related: Looking for the fastest way to train your australian shepherd to come when called? Try this video course.

 

6. Make Yourself Interesting and Rewarding to Your Australian Shepherd

To encourage your australian shepherd to come when called, make yourself more appealing and rewarding to your dog. Use an enthusiastic, high-pitched voice when calling your dog, and reward them with a treat or praise when they respond. You can also try running away from your dog when calling them, as this can entice your dog to chase after you and respond to the recall command.

7. Never Punish Your Australian Shepherd for Coming When Called

It’s essential to avoid punishing your australian shepherd if they do not immediately respond to the recall command or if they come to you slowly. Punishing your dog can create a negative association with the command and make them less likely to respond in the future. Instead, be patient and continue to practice and reinforce the command using positive reinforcement techniques.

8. Practice the Recall Command Regularly with Your Australian Shepherd

Consistent practice is crucial for training your australian shepherd to come when called. Incorporate recall training into your dog’s daily routine, and practice the command in various environments and situations. This will help reinforce the behavior and make it more reliable over time.

9. Use a Long Training Leash on Your Australian Shepherd

When transitioning from a controlled environment to a more open space, consider using a long training leash to maintain control over your australian shepherd while they learn to respond to the recall command. This will help you avoid losing control of your dog and provide a safety measure as you gradually increase the distance and distractions during training sessions.

This is the most popular long training leash on Amazon. 

10. Be Patient and Persistent with Your Australian Shepherd

Training your australian shepherd to come when called takes time, patience, and persistence. Some dogs may learn the command quickly, while others may require more time and consistent practice. Be patient with your dog and maintain a positive attitude during training sessions. Remember that every dog is unique, and the key to success is consistent practice and positive reinforcement.

11. Use a Professional Online Australian Shepherd Training Course

While this article provides many helpful tips for training your australian shepherd, you can increase your chances of success by enlisting the help of a professional online dog trainer. We love the SpiritDog online courses, since its includes unlimited questions with a real dog trainer.

You can check out their Teach Your Australian Shepherd to Come Online Course Here

In conclusion, training your Australian Shepherd to come when called is a crucial aspect of responsible pet ownership. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can effectively teach your furry friend this essential command. Remember to keep training sessions short and fun, and to reward your dog with praise, treats, and playtime for successful responses. Whether you’re at home or out in public, a well-trained Australian Shepherd that reliably responds to your calls can bring peace of mind and strengthen the bond between you and your beloved pet. So start practicing today, and enjoy the rewards of a well-trained and obedient Australian Shepherd.

 

More Frequently Asked Questions For Training Your Australian Shepherd

Training an Australian Shepherd can be a rewarding but challenging experience for any pet parent. These intelligent and energetic dogs require consistent training and attention to help them develop good behavior and obedience. In this article, we will answer three more frequently asked questions about training your Australian Shepherd.

1. How can I train my Australian Shepherd to stop barking excessively?

Excessive barking is a common problem among Australian Shepherds, and it can be a nuisance to pet owners and neighbors alike. Fortunately, there are several techniques you can use to train your dog to bark less. The first step is to identify the triggers that cause your dog to bark excessively. It could be due to boredom, anxiety, fear, or territorial instincts.

Once you identify the trigger, you can begin to address it by providing your dog with more exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization. You can also teach your dog a “quiet” command, which will help them understand when it’s time to stop barking. To do this, wait until your dog starts barking and then say “quiet” in a firm but calm tone. When your dog stops barking, reward them with a treat or praise. With consistent practice, your Australian Shepherd will learn to respond to the “quiet” command and bark less frequently.

2. How can I teach my Australian Shepherd to walk on a leash without pulling?

Walking your dog is an excellent way to provide them with exercise and mental stimulation. However, if your Australian Shepherd pulls on the leash, it can make the experience unpleasant and challenging. To teach your dog to walk on a leash without pulling, you can use the following steps:

  • Start by getting your dog used to wearing a collar or harness. Let them wear it around the house for short periods before attaching the leash.
  • Once your dog is comfortable wearing the collar or harness, attach the leash and let them explore their surroundings while you hold onto the leash.
  • If your dog starts pulling, stop and stand still until they stop pulling. When they calm down, continue walking. Repeat this process until your dog learns that pulling will not get them to their destination faster.
  • Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. Reward your dog with treats or praise when they walk without pulling. You can also use a clicker to mark good behavior and reinforce positive actions.
  • Practice walking on a leash in different environments, such as in your neighborhood, at the park, or around other dogs. This will help your Australian Shepherd become more comfortable with walking on a leash and reinforce good behavior.

How can I train my Australian Shepherd to come when called off-leash?

Teaching your dog to come when called is an essential skill for any pet owner, especially if you plan to let them off-leash in a safe and secure environment. Here are some tips to help you train your Australian Shepherd to come when called off-leash:

  • Start by training your dog to come when called on a leash in a distraction-free environment.
  • Use a high-value treat or toy to motivate your dog to come to you when called. You can also use a clicker to mark good behavior and reinforce positive actions.
  • Gradually increase the level of distraction as your dog becomes more proficient at coming when called. Start by adding mild distractions, such as other people or dogs in the area, and work your way up to more challenging environments.
  • Practice regularly to reinforce good behavior and keep your dog’s skills sharp.
  • Always reward your dog with praise, treats, or playtime when they come when called, even if it takes them a little longer than usual.
  • Never punish your dog for not coming when called.

4. What’s the best online course for teaching an australian shepherd to come when called? At iHeartDogs, we recommend the SpiritDog online course “Coming When Called.” The course includes unlimited questions with a real dog trainer.

 

iHeartDogs is reader supported. Our articles contain affiliate links where we are paid a small commission for linking to a product at no additional cost to the reader. 

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