How Do I Train My Dog to Come?
A dog that responds appropriately when his name is called alleviates stress, secures pet and people safety and reduces nuisance behaviors (such as digging up the flower bed). Training your dog to come when called is a basic level of obedience and should begin as soon as the dog is brought home.
Instructions
1. Educate the dog on the meaning of the command "Come." Hold a treat an arm's length away from the dog's nose and state "come" calmly and firmly. The dog will certainly respond and nuzzle your hand for the treat. Praise the dog and repeat, backing up further away from the dog. Practice stating the dog's name coupled with the command--such as "Charcoal, Come!"--to communicate the importance of responding to his name as well.
2. Tempt your dog with a treat. Positive dog training is essential in teaching your dog to come when called. Ensure that the dog has a positive reward awaiting his obedience, including verbal praise, a tasty treat, a chew toy or a belly rub. Additionally, withhold excess treats during the day, so the dog is motivated during training sessions.
3. Embrace clicker training. Using the device of a small "clicker"--inexpensive and widely available at pet stores--may facilitate training your dog to come when called. As the dog walks toward you when called, click the device (the timing is critical to development). This instant, low-decibel sound promotes operate conditioning (a term that describes an intentional response). Combined with pack leader encouragement, clicker training is a useful way to teach your dog basic commands (see Resources below).
4. Do not unintentionally punish the dog. A dog that does not respond when given the command "Come" is often associating the command with something negative, such as leaving the dog park or receiving a verbal scolding. Additionally, do not state "bad dog" in the same command as "come" to avoid communicating the wrong message. Ensure that you are practicing effective pack leader communication to encourage your dog's obedience.
5. Repeat training exercises for at least 15 minutes a day. As your dog's obedience progresses, teach your dog to sit and combine a sit-stay command. Additionally, increase the challenge of the exercises--take your dog into a fenced-in back yard, where distractions are abundant. Call out "Come!" and offer a positive reward when the dog responds appropriately.
Tags: when called, come when, come when called, your come, your come when
