Come to Me

I have been working with Charlie the past few weeks on looking at me when he is called and then going in the direction I signal to him. A few weeks ago, I had all but given up on my A.D.D. dog. I usually take him for a long walk up the dirt road on a leash, heeling at my side. We have been training consistently together on different aspects of the human-dog relationship.

Things have been going very well. Charlie has heeled on a leash, sits, downs, stays and does all the things he is supposed to do as an obedient dog. Except for that one very important thing.....looking at me when called and coming to me when asked. I think Spring probably got the best of him a few weeks ago and,without fail, when let off the leash Charlie would walk perfect for 30 seconds and then take off like a speeding bullet into the woods. Calling him, no actually yelling for him to come, was pointless. He was hot on a trail of whatever scent he got wind of in the woods. About 20 minutes after his take off, Charlie would return, tongue hanging out the side of his mouth, trotting home, fully focused on me. Needless to say, this was not the way I wanted to end our evening walks. So I got to thinking......I need to get this dog's attention before he winds up hurt by a car (or me because he was getting me riled by not listening).

So off I went to the store, I got an electronic collar that will cover 1/2 mile of space between me and Charlie. Let me explain what an e-collar does. It assists in training a dog by giving either a vibration or a small shock to the dog's neck to get their attention. It is not used as a punishment, but rather an extension of the trainer. When used properly, the e-collar will get the dog's attention and cause the dog to focus on what is being asked of him. Charlie already understands the use of e-collars as he lives in a yard that uses underground dog fencing. If too close to the boundary a beep sounds and then a slight shock is given if he keeps going and challenges to cross over the boundary.

It took all of about 5 minutes to get Charlie to understand that when called (along with a vibration) he needs to stop, look at me and then come when called. Each day we go to the 300 acre fields around us and practice. Charlie is allowed to run as much as he would like, but when I call out his name he stops and looks at me for direction. I no longer need to use the e-collar, he just understands to put his focus on me. Good job, Charlie.

Help me to remember to focus on my Master when my name is called, even when I have strayed a great distance. Allow me to daily look for direction from my Creator and do what is being asked.In other words, let me respond willingly before the shock is needed.