Can you teach an old dog new tricks

[dylano]

Well I say old but I mean around one year old

Due to some family issues Kai hasn't been taught 'come'. He knows all the other basics..just not the most important. I want Kai to be of lead chasing a ball ect like the their dogs in the park he's coming up to a year now and I water to know if I still have time to train him to come.

How would I train him to come ?
I've been told get distance with him the run away, when he chances turn around and say come. Then praise (on long leash or in garden)

I've also been told to get a long lead and get distance. Tug at the lead and when he walks to you say come and reward?

Thanks

[codmaster]

Best bet is to find a trainer - either private or in a class with a good trainer andhave them show you how to train the recall.

not usually too hard once you can get and keep their attention.

[Mary Beth]

I am very pro adult dog and yes, they can learn new tricks - they may take a little longer but they retain what they have learned. For your dog, I would start different - inside the house - loose - make a sound (it can be a whistle, or a click) when your dog looks at you and turns - you turn quick then reward with a treat for when he follows you, keep practicing with distractions - then work outside in a secure area - keep it fun. When you go in an unsecured area - I suggest you use a long line - but just let the dog drag it on a flat collar - again practice with your sound and reward for following/coming to you.

[dylano]

Originally Posted by codmaster

Best bet is to find a trainer - either private or in a class with a good trainer andhave them show you how to train the recall.

not usually too hard once you can get and keep their attention.

Im only a teenger and cant afford trainers at £100 an hour

[dylano]

Originally Posted by Mary Beth

when your dog looks at you and turns - you turn quick then reward with a treat for when he follows you

Thanks for your reply, what do you mean by you turn quick then reward?

[Mary Beth]

The idea is to teach your dog that when he hears your whistle or click, that he stops going forward and follows you - so when he is a little ahead of you - make your sound - he will hear and turn towards you - that's when you turn and go in the other direction and so he follows - reward him when he comes up to you.