Dog training: 'Come' command
When you first set out to teach your pet dog or puppy to come, there are a few tips and tricks that Im going to share with you, to make it more successful!
I have adapted these free techniques from the outstanding ‘Secrets to Dog Training‘ by Daniel Stephens. Check it out here if you wish to read more now.
“Come dog”
Firstly, and possibly the most crucial, is that you should never call your dog over if you are going to do something that he might class as ‘negative’ to him.. Some prime things include leashing him, washing him (if he doesnt like that!), telling him off, locking him up, smacking him etc..
Dont call over and discipline your dog for things such as running off, when he comes over. You dont want your dog to learn that doing as you say, is a punishment. If your dog already knows negative associations when you call come, such as he thinks it means 'run asap!' or if he has started to ignore it, you might have to try a new command that means 'come' but sounds different.
Forget your old come command and teach this exercise using a new, clear word. 'Here' 'Oi' or 'Hey' are popular alternatives, but its your choise to use any one that suits you.
In the perfect world, your dog should hear this new command, stop what hes doing and come sit in front of you, ideally that is! For best results, you should master teaching this exercise as two seperate pieces.
The two processes can be taught seperate till the dog has them both mastered, when this happens you can bring them together.
“Come sit in front of me”
Start with putting your dog on a short ish leash. Get your dogs attention, hold a favourtie treat of his/hers in your hand and take 3-4 quick steps backwards with the treat held in front, around nose height.
With your waiting dog in front, you can hold up a tidbit of food so that he is motioned to sit and wait.
Command your dog to sit and if and when he does, reward him with the treat, by lowering it to his mouth. Dont reward him if he jumps to get it!
Next time round try the process holding you place instead of moving backwards. Now try to phase out guiding with food or treats and change to simply reinforcing a correct 'come, sit' command. Doing this helps your dog to accept your praise as a reward.
You can read part two of this article, for free, as my website (that has hundreds of other free dog training tips) here, at dog commands.