Expert: Sandra Case, MEd, CPDT - 4/23/2008

Question
have a 7 month old male chihuahua that does not listen to me when I call him. He runs away and hides under the table and chairs. Because he doesn't listen, I put him in his crate or I put him on the leash. I have to trap him in a room and sometimes I throw a towel on him. This take a long time catching him and it is frustrating at this point.What can I do to make him come to me without running away. Is it something wrong that I am doing and why is he doing that.


Answer
I would find a good positive teacher in your area to help you. Clicker training is ideal for situations like this. You must make coming to you fun. If you've used a word to call him, and he's learned to run from you, you'll need to start over with a new word. The two most important rules of teaching a recall are 1) never call the dog if you are unable to get him to you. This means, if he's chasing a squirrel, or has a choice, you will NOT use your recall word when you try to get him to you. You can run away from him, find an imaginary mouse in the grass, whatever. But DON'T say your recall word, or it loses it's meaning (if he even knew it in the first place). If he's already coming toward you, you can use the word, click the behavior and drop a treat. If you have him on a long line, you can limit his options until he picks the right one (coming toward you). 2) Never call your dog for something he considers unpleasant. Often dogs who run and hide when you call them feel like they have been "tricked" into coming for stuff they don't care for - like being picked up, losing freedom, being put in a crate, etc. With the whole having to catch him and throwing towels over him, I'm guessing at this point he doesn't feel he has much reason to trust you. I would take my time, reward any movements towards you and find less traumatic ways to get him. If he allows you to put your hands on him, that's time for a party, not for after-the-fact punishment. One thing I've had a lot of luck with for dogs who don't like to come to their people is a follow the leader game. In a low distraction environment off leash (halls are good) start walking. Ignore the dog. Don't talk to him. Any time he approaches you, stop, click and drop a treat. Then start walking again. Within just a few minutes (depending on how serious the trust issue is) he will probably be doing his best to come near you.  This has helped a good deal with small dogs who hide when their owners call them, in my classes.
I know this behavior is very frustrating. But when you punish him or do something unpleasant to catch him, you give him more reason not to trust you and you make the situation worse.
When you can, allow him to take his time to approach. Do not bend over him (scary for little dogs)but try to make yourself lower and smaller, even turning slightly away from him. Sometimes small dogs really don't like being picked up. Work on teaching him in a positive way, and try to see things from his point of view. Notice and acknowledge what he finds scary or unpleasant and look for ways to help him feel more comfortable. Do not punish these behaviors. For more information on clicker training www.clickertraining.com Sandy Case MEd CPDT www.positivelycanine.com