Spoiled signal?

I'm reading the Total Recall book and it talks about spoiled signals. Prior to reading the book I had attempted to train my lab puppy to come when I said "come" and he sometimes does (if he knows I have a treat it almost guaranteed) but sometimes does not making this a spoiled signal. Can I still use "come" once following the proper training from the book or is this signal not usable ever again and I should find a different word?

 

Hello, and welcome to the forum.

If you've used "come" a lot and it hasn't worked, or you've used a bribe a lot (so his cue is actually "come + treat"), best start with a new word. How about "here"?

 

If you`re starting over , then I would use a different word , just wiping the board clean and off you go again , I use Here for my dogs , good luck

 

Yeah, I agree - new word is the way to go

 

A new cue is really ideal, as it is much easier for you and the dog and you'll make faster progress. Let us know how you get on

 

Hi and welcome . I changed my word after it was hit and miss and it worked by retraining with it

 

Thank you everyone! Gonna try "here" and maybe later a whistle as we go to the mountains a lot.