How to Train an Airedale Terrier to Come When Called

Training your Airedale Terrier to come to you is one of the most important aspects of terrier obedience. It is the easiest command for your dog to learn. It can also be the most frustrating when they do not obey.When your dog is not on a leash, you have no direct control. If he is to obey you, it must be because he wants to, and has been conditioned to accept your commands

Here are some tips on how to gain your terriers obedience so that he will come to you when called:

• Dogs are social animals, and look to their owner for companionship. Spend time developing a strong bond with your pet, so that he wants to be with you.
• Always reward your dog for obedience. Praise, physical attention and food snacks are the best motivation for good behavior. If you need to call your dog to you for something he does not enjoy, maybe bath time, or just to take him home after a play in the park, make a fuss of him for obeying you, then calmly do what you need to do, and praise again when you have finished. That way, obedience will be associated with a pleasurable experience and will be more likely to be repeated in future.
• Never call your dog to you to punish him for misbehavior. This will only erode his trust in you. He will not associate the punishment with a previous action and will learn to avoid coming to you in future.
• Make sure your Airedale has enough exercise and mental stimulation. A bored and under exercised dog will become over excited at any chance of freedom, and will be reluctant to end their fun.
• If you are uncertain at any time of your ability to control your dog, keep him on a leash. If you lose control over him and he starts to run away and won't come back, avoid running after him and repeatedly calling him. He will think it is a game where you are chasing him, and will learn that he need not obey you. Try turning around and walking away. This way, he may think of you are the leader and chase you.
• Gain your dogs respect. Make sure he understands that you are the master, and that he has to abide by your rules. Without respect your Airedale will only obey you when it suits him. If he thinks he has something better to do, you will be ignored until he is ready. Make sure you do not reward disrespectful behavior. If they jump up on you, or push onto your lap and demand attention, ignore them until they settle down. Then, when you are ready, tell them to sit, and after they obey, praise them, and give them the attention they want.