The key purpose of the bad dog name, is to prevent me from using their good dog name, when they are doing something undesirable. In this case, it is more for me than for my dogs :D, so really there is no age issue.

We can also condition our dog so that the bad dog name functions as a no-mark. However, if we are already using a consistent no-mark, then that is less important. As I understand it, puppies often learn faster, but any healthy dog can be conditioned.

As for getting my dog’s attention, it is a matter of priorities. Different dogs have different priorities for different stimuli. The strength of the surrounding stimuli also matters.

For example, in a low stimulus area, e.g. my backyard, it is much easier to get my dog’s attention. When out hiking, there are many more interesting things about to compete for his attention, so it is more challenging. When there is deer around, it gets even more challenging because it triggers my dog’s prey drive. If the deer is running, then things become even more difficult.

I usually start recall training in a very low stimulus environment, and with very high priority rewards so that my dog learns that coming to me is the best thing ever. This sets my dog up for success because it elevates recall priority, while reducing distractions. The more my dog comes to me when I call, the more likely he will come in the future. I keep repeating this until we have very good recall, then I very slowly increase the environmental challenge.

Here is a good article from the ASPCA on recall training-
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/teaching-your-dog-come-when-called

I also do desensitization exercises with my dog to reduce his reactivity level to other dogs, cats, etc.

Thank you for responding so quickly to my question. Is there any chance you can contact me through e-mail? I’m a freelance writer and would love to interview you and propose an article about this training concept to a publication. I entered my e-mail into the box when I posted this comment, but I’ll check back to this page just in case you need it. You can check out my linkedin profile so you know I’m legit :P. http://www.linkedin.com/in/rebekaholsen . Look forward to speaking with you!

I am not a trainer. I currently have three dogs, and I write about my experiences and adventures with them.

As for good name/bad name, the trainers I visited with and the dog behavior books that I read say that it is best *not* to use a dog’s name with punishment because then, our dog will associate his name with negative events. Instead we want to associate our dog’s name with positive occurrences. This will make him want to pay attention to us when we call his name, rather than run away. This makes logical sense to me, as does the establishment of a yes-mark and no-mark.

The good name/bad name thing is something that I started doing with my dogs because it is often a reflex for me to use their names when I verbally communicate with them, so it was helpful for *me* to have a good name and bad name for each of them. In this way, the good name/bad name is simply another form of yes-mark/no-mark, except unique to each dog.

Congratulations on your new puppy!

I always loved Eddie on Frasier so I had looked into getting a JRT initially. Don’t know if I can keep up with one though – lol.

Your JRT sounds really awesome. I think they are one of the smartest breeds around. 4 paws up and a very special Siberian lick for rescuing a dog in need!

She emphasised that the two most important commands are stay and come, the ability to obey these commands can save your dog in dangerous situations.

That is very true. My Shiba is much better at Stay than he is at Come 🙂 He is not very people focused, not very food focused, and extremely stubborn – all of which make recall more of a challenge.

One very important thing with recalls is not to chase after the dog. Especially for Shibas – who seem to really love playing chase games. If I turn and walk away he will usually be trotting after me. Gotta play hard to get with a Shiba! 🙂