Coming when called is probably one of the most valuable commands that you could teach your dog. There is nothing more frustrating than to call your dog and watch him run in the other direction. There are several fundamental principles you need to remember that will help cultivate an obedience response to the come command.

It is very important that when your Puppies or dog is first introduced into your home that you never discipline the dog when he comes to you after doing something wrong. When we discipline a dog that comes to us (even though he may deserve some form of correction for doing something inappropriate), the dog will associate coming to us with something negative. So, the next time you call him to come, he will remember how he was disciplined and be far less likely to want to come to you. Dogs learn by association. We always want the dog to associate coming to us with something positive like receiving a treat or a lot of praise.

Dogs have an instinct known as a prey drive. This instinct causes them to want to chase anything moving away from them. That is why dogs a prone to chase cars, rabbits, joggers and the like. People have an instinct to chase their dog when he runs away. Dogs will almost always run in the opposite direction when someone is chasing them. When we move toward a dog, the dog’s natural response is to move away.

The best way to get your dog to come is to get his attention and then run in the opposite direction. His natural instinct will be to follow you and chase after you. That is provided that you are a more motivational target than some other distraction.

Generally, the best way to produce a reliable response in a dog is to begin training your dog on a leash. You can control the dog with the leash and guide him into the desired response. Using a six-foot leash, stand about five to six feet away facing your dog. Give your dog the come command while taking 5 or 6 steps backwards; as you stop ask you dog to sit and praise him and give him a treat. Reward your dog immediately for responding. As your dog begins to catch on you can work at greater distances. After a week or so, begin to work at a distance of 10 to 12 feet. Continue to increase the distance over a period of 3 to 4 weeks until your dog is responding at 25 to 30 feet away on a long line.

The Do’s and the Don’ts of the COME COMMAND

Do reward your dog each time he comes to you. Use a treat that he really likes and show him a lot of affection and praise.

Do begin on a leash so you can guide him with the leash and help him by showing him what the command actually means.

Don’t chase after your dog because he will just want to run away  from you.

Don’t discipline your dog when he comes to you because he will associate coming to you with something negative.

Don’t give the dog the come command unless you are in a situation to reinforce the command. Too often people will bark the come command at their dog and the dog really doesn’t know what the command means so he ignores you. If you are going to give your dog any command, make sure that you are in a position to help the dog to understand what it is you are asking by using a leash to guide him.

These are some basic tips that will help to teach your dog to come when called. Remember to give your Puppies or dog a week or two to learn a new command. Puppies that are under 7 or 8 months of age are too young to understand the come command when off leash. It really takes an older more mature Puppies to respond off leash. The more that you practice these exercises with your dog, the more responsive he will become.

Contact Information

Tom Beitz is the owner of the Academy for Puppies and Dogs and is an authorized dealer for Pet STOP Hidden Dog Fences. Tom can be reached at (716) 628-0651 to answer your questions or he can be found on the web at www.smartdogtrainer.com . E-Mail: Tom@Smartdogtrainer.com

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