Here’s the most important aspect of Name Game. This is NOT a recall! It will help you immensely when you work on recalls, no doubt about it. But Name Game is all about classical conditioning, not the puppy’s operant response to a cue. This game is for creating delight and attraction for the sound of his name. Period.
Steps:
- Say the name in a happy voice, randomly while you are playing
- Follow the order of events: Say name, then click, then treat.
- Mix up which way puppy is facing when you say their name.
- Mix up click and treat when the puppy approaches in front, to the side and even behind you.
Notes:
We are looking to create a visceral response and a happy Conditioned Emotional Response (CER) to name. That’s the simplicity and the vital importance of Name Game.
We want to help our puppies develop good on/off switch. One way to do this is by trying to impose nap time after training. This nap time allows the well-documented value of latent learning on whatever little lesson you want them to assimilate.
This is the beginnings of a recall game. Right now we are classically conditioning the puppy to the sound of his name. We want a visceral positive reaction whenever we say their names.
Modern K9 Training 