My Pet World: 14-year-old dog no longer comes when called. Why?
Dear Cathy,
Our 14-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has been a wonderful pet her whole life. She exhibited alpha dog behavior early on, not wanting to come to us. In the last few years, though, she has become even more so and refused to come when called. She retreats into her crate if I even motion for her to come to me. She also will not tolerate being picked up and held and will not sit on our laps.
I don't expect her behavior to change, but why would she act like this? She's treated with love and respect. Of course, if we're holding food, that's a different story!
— Lee, East Patchogue, New York
Dear Lee,
A visit to your vet is your first chore. When dogs don't feel well or experience pain, they can become less engaged with their owners. For example, if your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has arthritis, she may need glucosamine. She also may have cognitive issues that impact how she processes things. There are medications for that as well.
If the vet doesn’t find any medical issues, the next step would be to re-train her. Your dog is 14 years old and re-training her may seem pointless, but she can still learn.
When it comes to coming when called, half the battle is getting her attention. Introduce her to a clicker, as it will make training go quicker. They cost only a few dollars. Start by saying her name and wait for her to make eye contact. When she makes eye contact, click the clicker, which marks the desired behavior, and give her a treat. Repeat this about 20 times each session, three times a day.
When she knows to look at you every time you say her name, re-introduce the recall command. Wait until she is across the room, and say her name. When she looks at you, click the clicker.
Now, she has to come to you for the treat. Eventually, use her name and the word "come" together. In this instance, click the click when she begins walking toward you, so she makes the connection between coming to you and getting a treat.
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