doggiestylish

 

"Come" is one of the most important commands your dog wil learn. It not only makes your relationship with your dog easier, it could save your dog's life someday. Teach your dog to come on command using positive reinforcement methods.

STEPS

1. Start with your dog on a leash in a quiet room with no distractions.
2. Find a treat that your dog really likes (like cheese, pieces of hot dog, or sandwich meat.) The pieces should be bite size so the dog doesn't have to chew it and can immediately associate the reward with coming to you.
3. With your dog on a leash, say in a normal tone "your dogs name here, come." Do not yell or speak overly cute. Simply state the command. Hold the treat as close to your body as possible and wait for your dog to come and get it. If he does not come immediately, use the leash to gently pull him over and give him the treat.
4. As your dog accepts the treat reinforce the word association by stating "Good come" in a normal, but upbeat tone of voice.
5. Gradually increase the distance and add distractions as your dog improves.

TIPS

1. You may find it easier to start teching "Come" if your dog already knows "sit" and "stay". A dog who doesn't know how to stay put may just run over to get the treat from you before you even have a chance to give the command.
2. Only use "Come" when you mean it. If you say "come" repeatedly, the dog ignores you, and you give up, the dog will learn that "come" doesn't mean anything or that he only needs to come to you when he feels like it.
3. Try to avoid using "Come" for things your dog may find unpleasant, such as coming in from playing in the yard. If you must use come to tear your dog away from something fun, do it several times before you actually want your dog to come in. Reward the dog and let him go back to playing. That way, your dog hear "Come" as "Playtime's over".
4. Start by rewarding "Come" with a special treat that you wouldn't give to him/her on any other occasion. As your dog improves, you can gradually decrease the number of times he gets the food reward. Always reward "Come" with lots of praise and patting.