Any suggestions on the best way to get Kodi to learn hearing his name being called is my way to get his attention?

I've been using clicker training (basics) for the past two weeks. I use his name in all commands ("Kodi, come", "Kodi, sit", "Kodi, down") and have been consistently using it when he is going to the bathroom outside ("Kodi, go potty"). I also try to lure him to eat each meal with "Kodi, come" coupled with the 'kissie noise' (I think that's the technical term). I also use it occasionally when I'm loading-the-clicker: after several click, reward, click, reward... I will call "Kodi", when he looks I click & reward.

When I somewhat have his attention (play, training, etc.), he does a decent job looking to see what I want. But if he's laying down, walking around, or chasing the cat... it's almost like he doesn't even hear me call his name.

I know this will take time, so please don't think I have unreasonable expectations. I'm open to any suggestions if you guys/gals have any ideas on what I can improve on (myself).

With decent weather, I am hoping to spend significant time outside this weekend working on his recall -- using a 30ft lead. He's finally getting used to the leash! Hopefully this will get him to enjoy going for short walks rather than "short drags" (as I joke with my wife).

TIA!!!

I still can't get my male to listen all the time - he has selective hearing.

i'd say just constantly call him randomly throughout the day if he looks up click and give him a treat. eventually he will start looking whenever he hears his name b/c he will assume you have somthing yummy for him. it's what we did with Dakota and when we are in the house he always at least looks over to see if there is somthing in it for him to bother coming over lol

I didn't bother with clicker training. I didn't really do anything special to get Callie to answer to her name either. She just kind of learned that "Callie, Cals, Cal Cals," etc etc all mean I want her attention. When I was reading up before I got her, I read that dogs tend to really only listen to the first syllable of their name, so I didn't worry that my many nicknames would confuse her. She's at the point now where she just knows when i'm talking to her. "Baby girl" "punk". She answers to those too. But she doesn't answer to the other dog's names or nicknames. (We've got Pooka/Pooky/Pook/Pookita/Pookachu/list goes on and Hercules/Herc/Hercafleas/Fleabag. He's never had fleas but I just call him that for no reason but he gets so excited because it means attention)

Quote :

When I somewhat have his attention (play, training, etc.), he does a decent job looking to see what I want. But if he's laying down, walking around, or chasing the cat... it's almost like he doesn't even hear me call his name.

This is a lovely case of selective hearing. Eventually he'll learn that it's better to answer you than to go after the cat. Just make sure when he's distracted like this, if you say his name and he even slightly acknowledges you, praise like crazy and give him treats he loves and doesn't normally get. Soon he'll start completely acknowledging you and judging whether he thinks whatever you have for him is worth giving up on whatever he was doing first. Try to call his name as soon as you notice the cat enter the room or something along those lines and interrupt the action before it can begin. I've worked on that with Cal and now she's at the point where if she sees a squirrel or a cat and wants to chase it, she knows she has to sit and watch it instead. Unless we're in the backyard, she doesn't get released to chase squirrels. We're still working on her ability to answer to her name at the dog park.

Just curious . . . Do you want Kodi to come when you call his name or just look? Saphire has look down pat but come is a different story. I used treats and got her to look. She only come's when she thinks there is something in it for her. I've found that acting like I don't want her near me is the best way to make her come. If I do this she will be right in my lap or under my feet every time. I swear she just does it to annoy me. Anyway, the point is that if come is your goal then its not just about teaching Kodi his name but teaching him that come means there is something good in store for him (i.e. a treat, extra loves, etc.). Hope it helps.

All great advice, thanks!

Dena, my intention is that he will look at me for the next command when I call his name. As an example, I can usually tell when he is starting to sniff around and ready to go to the bathroom. I'll call his name and grab the leash hoping to catch his attention long enough to distract from the sniff & squat. Overall, it is working fairly well, but I have to watch him like a hawk when it's "time." The concern here is that I can currently pick him up if I need to grab the leash. But in a few weeks/months, picking up will be less of an option.

I just figure I need to make sure he gives me his attention as we progress on the training. I would like for commands to be more of "Kodi, down" rather than the current "Kodi, Kodi, Kodi, hey, hey you, Kodi, ...." I will definitely try rewarding highly for look, especially around distractions. I'm currently only using treats during housebreaking and training sessions, but will try to incorporate them at random throughout the day.

Thanks everyone!!!

We have taught "Look at me" for those times when ours if off in ADD World (i.e. focusing on the cat or happily digging in the mud...). After a while, they will begin looking at you when you say their name. Sabaka knows that after, "Sabaka....Sabaka....Sabaka, look at me...." he had better start paying attention. I do believe that if you can get them to look, they will obey the "come" command better. We use it at other times when he is out of control as well. On walks, when he's begging for more treats, etc...

I am starting to seriously doubt that Nanook even knows his name, even though it's the name he came with. He will respond to just about any sound from my mouth if he's feeling inclined to respond and to absolutely nothing if he isn't.
With respect to training, I've always used "watch me" before giving a command. For me it was a habit I developed a long time ago when I was doing dog shows and using a dog's name in the ring wasn't allowed. (I have no idea what the rules are these days) Since becomming a mom to humans, I catch myself doing the same thing to them.

there is nothing wrong with using the same methods on your kids as you do your husky.

Kids and huskies have alot in common.

Selective hearing
Destroying the house in under 2 min
not coming when you call them
begging for treats
the need to be the center of attention... especially when i'm on the phone
Stealing cookies off the counter

need i go on?
lol

LOL. Crystal, you are absolutely right!

Well said, Crystal!!

ramoscl wrote:

i'd say just constantly call him randomly throughout the day if he looks up click and give him a treat. eventually he will start looking whenever he hears his name b/c he will assume you have somthing yummy for him. it's what we did with Dakota and when we are in the house he always at least looks over to see if there is somthing in it for him to bother coming over lol

He listens for food and he does everything in the show ring - for food. I don't use clickers, but only because the sound annoys me.