Elderly spaniel retreats to crate when she is called

Dear Cathy: Our 14-yearold Cavalier King Charles spaniel has been a wonderful pet her whole life. She exhibited alpha dog behavior early on, not wanting to come to us. In the last few years, though, she has become even more stubborn and refused to come when called. She retreats into her crate if I even motion for her to come to me. She also will not tolerate being picked up and held and will not sit on our laps.

I don’t expect her behavior to change, but why would she act like this? She’s treated with love and respect. Of course, if we’re holding food, that’s a different story! — Lee, East Patchogue, New York

Dear Lee: A visit to your vet is your first chore. When dogs don’t feel well or experience pain, they can become less engaged with their owners. For example, if your Cavalier King Charles spaniel has arthritis, she may need glucosamine. She also may have cognitive issues that affect how she processes things. There are medications for that as well.

If the vet doesn’t find any medical issues, the next step would be to retrain her. Your dog is 14 years old and retraining may seem pointless, but she can still learn.

With coming when called, half the battle is getting her attention. Introduce her to a clicker; it will make training go quicker. Start by saying her name. When she makes eye contact, click the clicker and give her a treat. Repeat this about 20 times each session, three times a day.

When she knows to look at you every time you say her name, reintroduce the recall command. Wait until she is across the room, then say her name. When she looks at you, click the clicker.

Now she has to come to you for the treat. Eventually, use her name and the word “come” together. In this instance, click the clicker when she begins walking toward you, so she makes the connection between coming to you and getting a treat.

Even if you find she has a health problem that is affecting her focus, retraining can help restore the habit of coming when called.

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