How to Train Your Dog to Answer The Phone
Introduction
Although a requirement for Hearing Service Dogs, it''s also handy to have a dog who can help with the phone. BTW: This does not mean that the dog will actually speak on the phone, just bring it to you when it rings.
Instructions
Difficulty: Easy
Things You''ll Need
Two phones with separate phone numbers. One of the phones must be cordless and located in the same place all the time.
Lots of treats
Lots of patience
Steps
1
Step One
Set the cordless (target) phone on the floor near the dog and get ready with the treats.
2
Step Two
Call the target phone from the other phone and let it ring.
3
Step Three
When the phone on the floor rings, wait for the dog to look at it. If after a few rings the dog doesn''t look at it, direct the dog to it. When the dog does look at the phone, give your positive signal (say "good" or click your clicker) and give the dog a treat. Then answer the target phone excitedly and say what a good girl/boy your dog is. Hang up.
4
Step Four
Repeat steps 1-3 several times until the dog looks at the phone each time it rings. Do not reward the dog for looking at the phone if it is not ringing. Direct his/her attention back to you. You may want to intersperse a few other commands (sit, down, etc.) in between rings to distract the dog from the phone and treats.
5
Step Five
After the dog regularly looks at the ringing phone, pretend not to notice the dog looking at the phone (withold your praise/reward). This will encourage the dog to be more explicit with his/her behavior (helloooo!!!! see??? This is me looking at the phone - right here - are you watching!?!?!?) After a more demonstrated look (or maybe even a touch) reward the dog as in step 3 above.
6
Step Six
Each subsequent step will be modifying the learned behavior (looking at the phone when it rings) to touching the phone when it rings, picking up the phone when it rings, finding the phone when it rings and picking it up, finding the phone when it rings, picking it up, and bringing it to you, wherever you happen to be.