Dog Obedience Training: Come (Recall) Command

Teaching your dog the come command is one of the more important things your dog can learn, also its one of the most tricky commands to teach. Although we never intend to place our dogs in unsafe situations, you never know when a situation could arise where the safest place your dog can be is either beside you or on a leash. this could be to avoid a car-dog collision, chasing someones cat, chasing a squirrel across a busy intersection or any situation where your dogs instinct just isn't enough to keep him/her safe.

This convenient command will also help you avoid the embarrassing game of "catch me if you can" when trying to leave the park or the dog beach. Also, most dogs learn very early that they can outrun you!

1. Get a good supply of you dogs absolute favorite treats, (usually some type of meat) small pieces, and take them and him into an quiet room. A room that has no distractions or anything of interest to your dog and one where you have enough space to take several steps away from him/her.

2. Once you are a few steps away from the dog, call him in your most ecstatic or happy tone of voice, if he doesn't immediately comply, dart back quickly so that he will try to catch you. (this will motivate most dogs since chasing is a natural instinct). When he gets to you make him sit then give him he treat along with some petting or verbal praise. do this a few times until he comes without you having to dart back.

3. Once this is achieved, repeat this step 2 but this time take control of your arrival by holding onto his collar until he/she settles before giving the treat. This prevents your dog from running around when he/she gets to you. So repeat this until your dog sits and allows you to take his collar every time you call him.

4. Now, since your dog understands come to an extent, it's time to take him out to the back yard where he'll be a bit more distracted and has more space. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until your dog comes to you.remember to use a happy enthusiastic tone of voice when getting his/her attention. If you are having problems you may need to add a leash to his collar (preferably a long an light one) now the leash is not primarily to reel the dog in but to prevent your dog from running away. If it comes to the point where you must use the leash to bring your dog in, always remember to praise the dog when he gets to you. Save the treats for when he comes willingly.

5. Repeat until your dog is running to you reliably every time you call. always remember to praise your dog when he does and to hold is collar and place him in a sit or down position.

A Few notes to remember

* Don't let these training sessions last very long, this is one of the more difficult commands to teach your dog (don't let him get bored!)

* Never call your dog for anything that he/she may consider to be negative. (baths, nail clipping, scolding etc.) For these situations go get your dog. Come should be a word your dog is happy to hear.

* Never call your dog when he/she hasn't learned the command, you will just be teaching the dog to ignore you and desensitizing him/her to the word "come".

* If your dog already ignores the word "come", pick another command or phrase like "here" or "front".

* Always make "come" or anytime you recall your dog a happy place associated with praise and affection. Anytime you need to discipline your dog have it be when you approach him/her, not with a recall command.

Another fun way to teach your dog to come is the "recall game", this is where you and your family stand in a large circle, each with small pieces of his favorite treats, each calling the dog and giving him a treat when he arrives with praise and affection. This way your dog is learning the recall command and also having fun with you and the family.

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