How Do I Train To Come When A Dog Comes?

Consistent throughout

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When training a dog, consistency is key. This will make the process smoother for both of you. One common mistake dog owners make is not using the come command consistently. This can be because you are walking a set path and your puppy thinks he has to come right up to you (for example, he may come back from the other side of the room but not directly in front of you). To prevent this, be consistent with the word you used for the recall. Also, make sure your puppy knows what is going to happen when you use this command.

Be creative

Recall is a fundamental skill that helps keep your pup safe outdoors and in unfamiliar environments. It also helps prepare him for more advanced behaviors like walking off-leash, hiking, swimming and playing at the dog park. A reliable recall takes more than just "come" - it takes practice and reinforcement. When your dog responds to the word "come," reinforce the positive reinforcement with treats, walks, playtime and toys.

Be patient

Patience is essential when training a puppy. Their learning process may be longer than expected, so be patient! Your puppy may need many repetitions to fully understand and execute the "come" command, so training should be short but frequent. Start training by leashing your dog on a long belt and standing about 10 feet away. When they start to get distracted, call their name and say "Come on!" If they come looking for you (or spontaneously), encourage them, one at a time. If they like toys, play a short game of tug-of-war with them after they catch up with you.