• Dog Training Tips

Training Your Dog The Come Command

In dog obedience training, the ‘Come’ command is another useful exercise for your puppy or dog to learn. This exercise will not only confirm your leadership over your dog but you can also guide him away from serious danger. When your dog completely mastered this command he can be allowed to enjoy more freedom. For example, your dog can go away to explore the surrounding but he will always be alert to respond your ‘Come’ command. The ultimate goal of the “Come” exercise is to make your dog drop whatever that he may be doing and come to you immediately.

Why Your Dog doesn’t Response when called?

These are the few reasons why your dog doesn’t respond in your command in dog training.

• Your dog is not familiar with the ‘Come’ command or he doesn’t know what is the meaning of this command.
• He was allowed to go away by disobeying your command before.
• Your dog believes that he will get more fun if he plays with a ball or exploring around with other dogs than coming back to you.
• If your dog responds to your ‘Come’ command inconsistently, this could mean that either he sees no reason to obey your call, or the command is often associated with something bad.

Some Important Rules You Have to Know Before Teaching Your Dog The Come Command:

1. Never punish your dog under any circumstances when he comes back. Some dogs may take longer to learn the ‘Come’ command, therefore patience is key. If you punish them they may resist training altogether.
2. You have to make your dog feel like that coming back to you is more appealing than anything he could be doing at that time. You can praise him and give him his favorite treat when he comes back to you. Never associate the ‘Come’ command with an unfavorable action.
3. Ensure that your dog or puppy is on leash at all time during this training before it has mastered this command.
4. Add the ‘Come’ command exercise into its daily activities. You can use it when calling him to its meals or call him to initiate play.
5. Never chase after your dog (off leash) if he doesn’t respond to your command and wanders off. Give him some time to come back to you. If he doesn’t come, go and get him but don’t punish him. Just start the training like before but this time the leash will be on.
6. Always start the training sessions with an easy task for your dog. Create a familiar environment because it will help your dog to concentrate on your command.

The Techniques You Can Apply to Teach Your Dog The Come Command:

1. Young puppies are very keen to follow you and love to stay around you. You can use this as an advantage. You can easily make him understand that you are having great fun playing with him. Praise him and reward him each time when he comes to you.
2. The next step of this training is to introduce him with the verbal command ‘Come’. You can sit on the ground and call him by his name in a friendly voice. You can attract his attention by waving a tasty piece of treat. As soon as he comes to you, praise him and give him his treat. Repeat these procedures again and again.
3. You can arrange a “back and forth” game for your adorable dog if you have someone to help you in this training. Take a position on one side of your dog and tell your helper to take a position on the other side. Now give a command like “Lucky come”, and then warmly praise him when he will be able to come to you. Next tell your assistant to call him and reward him after his arrival. Your puppy will take this exercise as a game and he will definitely like it. You can also change this training into a hide and seek game. Go to a different room and call him from there. If he can find you appreciate his effort with lots of praising.
4. When you will be sure that your dog understands your come command clearly you can arrange this training sessions in a different environment. Go out for a walk with your dog (on leash). Give him the command ‘Come’ and walk backwards, when he follows you and comes to you, praise him and continue walking. Repeat this exercise again and again and never forget to appreciate his effort.
5. The next step of this exercise is similar to step number 4. The only difference is this time you will use a long lightweight rope. You can find this rope in any pet shops or from any hardware store. Tie one end to your dog’s collar and roll the other end up to a comfortable length to walk the dog with without tripping. Go out in a public place like step 4. Release the rope and allow him wander away from you. Then call him by the same command and when he comes to you always reward him with praise or a treat.
6. The next step is a fun game for your dog. You should start this game in a distraction free area. You need to have assistant again in this training. Stand at least 50 feet away from your helper. The dog is between two of you wandering around (off leash). Then throw a ball to your helper. As soon you release the ball give a command “Lucky come”. Your dog has now two options. He can either come go for the ball or come to you. If he goes for the ball, your assistant picks the ball and ignores him. When he decides to come back to you give him a tap gently. Repeat this exercise.