Is Your Dog Ignoring Recall? A Comprehensive Guide to Teaching your dog Reliable Come Commands
Training your dog to come when called is one of the most important commands you can teach him. It keeps your dog safe and also helps reinforce the behaviour. In this guide, we are going to walk you through the process of teaching your dog to come in a clear and simple way.
Why “Come” is Important for your puppy
The “come” command is vital to your dog’s safety. It prevents your dog from running into dangerous situations and ensures that you can quickly call your dog back if needed. Plus, it’s a great way to build a strong, trusting relationship with your dog.
Step to train your dog to come
Before you start dog training, make sure you have some high-value treats that your dog enjoys. These treats should be small, soft, and easy to eat quickly. Also, choose a quiet place with minimal distractions for the initial training sessions.
Step 1: Get Your Dog’s Attention
When beginning your dog training session, choosing the right time is very important. Training should begin when your dog is calm and focused, as this will help them focus better on learning new commands. Training should not begin when your dog is overly excited or distracted, as this can make it difficult for them to engage effectively.
Additionally, a leash should be used during the training process. By leashing your dog, you keep him close to you and prevent him from wandering off. This allows you to maintain control over the training session and ensures that your dog does not run off while learning a new command.
Step 2: Introduce the Command when you called
To teach your dog to come, start by standing a few feet away from them. Call your dog’s name and then say “come” in a happy and enthusiastic voice. To encourage them to follow, hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose to get their attention and then keep moving the treat towards you. As soon as your dog starts to move in your direction, repeat the “come” command in a happy voice. When your dog reaches you, immediately give them a treat and give them lots of praise. It’s important to reward them immediately when they come so that they clearly associate coming to you with receiving a reward.
Step 3: Practice in Different Environments on command
You should start by practising the “come” command indoors, where there are minimal distractions. This controlled environment helps your dog learn the command more effectively. Once your dog responds reliably indoors, gradually move your training sessions to the yard or a secure outdoor area. Increase the distance between you and your dog as they become more confident with the command. As your dog gets better, begin introducing mild distractions like toys or other people. This step is important for helping your dog focus on you, even when there are distractions around.
Step 4: Increase Distance and Difficulty
As you progress in training, you may want to begin expanding the area from which you call your dog. Begin calling them from different rooms or across the yard, gradually increasing the distance to help them learn to come from farther away. Practise the command in different locations and with varying levels of distractions to ensure that your dog responds reliably in a variety of situations. This helps your dog learn to come when called regardless of their surroundings. In open areas where your dog may be tempted to run off, use a longer training leash. This provides your dog with more freedom while also allowing you to maintain control and ensure their safety.
Step 5: Reinforce and Maintain
In order to effectively teach your dog the “come” command, it is very important to incorporate it into your routine and practise it regularly. The command should be used during walks, playtime and throughout the day to consistently reinforce the behaviour. Whenever your dog comes to you, continue to give them treats and praise as positive reinforcement, as this helps them associate responding to the command with something enjoyable. Your dog should never be punished for not coming when called, as this can create negative associations with the command and make them less likely to respond in the future. Instead, always focus on positive reinforcement to create a strong and reliable memory.
Common Issues during dog training
If your dog is not coming when called, first check to see if they are distracted or if the reward is not enough to motivate them. You may need to use a higher value treat to get their attention or practice in a quiet environment. If your dog runs off, do not chase them. Instead, try to make yourself more interesting by calling them in a cheerful tone and showing them the treat. Practice in a controlled area where your dog cannot wander too far. If progress is slow, be patient and continue practicing, as some dogs may take longer to learn the command than others. Practice regularly, keeping sessions short and positive to encourage continued improvement.
