Training your American Staffordshire Terrier to come when called is one of the most important commands you can teach them. Not only does it provide a sense of safety, but it also allows for greater freedom and bonding between you and your furry friend. With their energetic and playful nature, the Amstaffs can be a handful, but with consistent training and positive reinforcement, they can learn to come when called.
In this article, we will cover some tips and tricks to help you train your American Staffordshire Terrier to respond to your calls consistently and happily.
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 american staffordshire terrier 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 american staffordshire terrier 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 american staffordshire terrier and ensuring that they understand what you expect from them.
3. Begin Training Your American Staffordshire Terrier in a Controlled Environment
Start training your american staffordshire terrier 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 American Staffordshire Terrier
When training your american staffordshire terrier 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 american staffordshire terrier 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.
6. Make Yourself Interesting and Rewarding to Your American Staffordshire Terrier
To encourage your american staffordshire terrier 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 American Staffordshire Terrier for Coming When Called
It’s essential to avoid punishing your american staffordshire terrier 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 American Staffordshire Terrier
Consistent practice is crucial for training your american staffordshire terrier 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 American Staffordshire Terrier
When transitioning from a controlled environment to a more open space, consider using a long training leash to maintain control over your american staffordshire terrier 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 American Staffordshire Terrier
Training your american staffordshire terrier 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 American Staffordshire Terrier Training Course
While this article provides many helpful tips for training your american staffordshire terrier, 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 American Staffordshire Terrier to Come Online Course Here
In conclusion, training your American Staffordshire Terrier to come when called is a crucial part of responsible pet ownership. It is essential to establish a strong bond with your dog and to provide them with the safety and freedom they need to thrive. Remember to be patient and consistent with your training, and always use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can successfully train your Amstaff to come when called and enjoy a more fulfilling relationship with your furry friend. With time and dedication, your Amstaff will become a reliable and obedient companion that you can trust in any situation.
More Frequently Asked Questions For Training Your American Staffordshire Terrier
1. How do I teach my American Staffordshire Terrier to stay?
Teaching your American Staffordshire Terrier to stay is an essential command that can help keep them safe in various situations. To start, have your dog sit in front of you and then give the command “stay” while holding your hand up as a stop signal. Take a step back and reward your dog if they stay in place. Gradually increase the distance and duration of the stay, rewarding your dog every time they remain in place. Be sure to use positive reinforcement techniques and never punish your dog for breaking the stay command, as this can create negative associations with the command and undermine your training efforts.
2. How do I stop my American Staffordshire Terrier from jumping on people?
Jumping on people is a common problem among American Staffordshire Terriers and can be dangerous, especially for young children and elderly individuals. To address this behavior, start by teaching your dog an alternate behavior such as “sit” or “down” and reinforce this behavior consistently. When your dog starts to jump, redirect them to the alternate behavior and reward them for following through. Additionally, it is important to teach your dog appropriate socialization skills and to ensure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation to prevent excessive jumping.
3. How do I train my American Staffordshire Terrier to walk on a leash without pulling?
Walking your American Staffordshire Terrier on a leash is a necessary part of responsible pet ownership. To teach your dog to walk on a leash without pulling, start by reinforcing good leash manners with treats and praise. When your dog begins to pull, stop walking and wait for them to return to your side. Once they return, reward them and continue walking. This method teaches your dog that pulling on the leash does not lead to forward progress. Be sure to use a comfortable and properly fitted harness or collar, and avoid using choke or prong collars, which can cause physical harm and undermine your training efforts.
In summary, training your American Staffordshire Terrier requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques. By teaching essential commands such as stay and walking on a leash without pulling, and addressing common behavioral issues such as jumping on people, you can create a happy and well-behaved companion that will provide years of love and loyalty. Remember to always prioritize your dog’s safety and well-being, and seek professional help if you encounter any training challenges that you cannot handle on your own.
4. What’s the best online course for teaching an american staffordshire terrier 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.
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