Dog Training: Come

 

The Come command, also known as Recall, is a little more time-consuming to teach, but is important when you need your dog to come back to you. For example, if you are out hiking and your dog is off-leash, but you notice another hiker farther along the trail, you can tell your dog to Come, and expect her to do so.

An important note on teaching this command: there are many ways that we can sabotage the effectiveness of this command, and not even realize it. Avoid recalling your dog for things that she may not find enjoyable, such as nail trims and baths. And never call your dog, and then punish her for something else that she has done. Both of these examples will teach your dog that if she does come, something unpleasant will happen. Pretty soon, when you call her to Come, she will run the other way.

Treats will be helpful when you first start to teach this command. To begin, ask your dog to Stay, and then back up a few feet, show her the food, and ask her to Come. When she comes to you, give her the treat and lots of praise. Each time you ask her to sit and then back away, try to make the distance farther. You can mix this exercise up by hiding from her before you call her. Or, ask a friend to help, and you can take turns calling her. Make a game out of it! As with other commands, remove the food reward as she improves.

Keep your training sessions short and have fun, and remember that consistency and patience are key!