Before you start teaching the "come" command, it's essential to establish a solid foundation of obedience. A well-behaved dog is more likely to listen to your commands, including recall.

Basic Obedience

• Focus and attention: Teach your dog to look at you and maintain focus, even with distractions.
• Sit and stay: Mastering these commands will help your dog understand that they need to wait for your cue before moving.

Positive Reinforcement

• Rewards: Choose high-value treats that your dog loves.
• Praise: Offer enthusiastic praise along with treats to create a positive association with the command.
• Consistency: Be consistent with your commands and rewards to avoid confusion.

Choosing the Right Reward

• Variety: Offer a mix of treats, toys, and playtime as rewards to keep your dog engaged.
• High-value treats: Use extra special treats for recall training to increase motivation.

Betting your dog up for success in learning the "come" command.

Now that your dog has a solid foundation in basic obedience, it's time to introduce the "come" command.

Starting Indoors

• Distraction-free environment: Begin training in a quiet room with minimal distractions.
• Short distances: Start by calling your dog from a short distance away.
• Reward generously: When your dog comes to you, shower them with praise and treats.

Gradually Increasing Distance

• Step-by-step progression: Once your dog reliably comes from a short distance, gradually increase the distance between you.
• Varying locations: Practice in different rooms of your house to expose your dog to different environments.

Adding Distractions

• Controlled distractions: Introduce low-level distractions, such as playing with a toy or having someone else in the room.
• Increase difficulty: Gradually increase the level of distractions as your dog's recall improves.

By following these steps and being patient, you'll lay the groundwork for a reliable recall.

Training a dog to come when called isn't always smooth sailing. Here are some common challenges and how to address them:

Dealing with Distractions

• Gradual exposure: Slowly introduce more distractions as your dog's recall improves.
• High-value rewards: Use extra special treats or toys to overcome distractions.
• Practice in different environments: Expose your dog to various settings to build resilience.

Preventing Accidental Rewards

• Consistent rules: Everyone in the household should follow the same rules to avoid confusion.
• Ignore unwanted behavior: Avoid rewarding your dog for coming when they haven't been called.
• Practice self-control: Resist the urge to pet or talk to your dog when they come to you without being called.

Using a Long Line

• Controlled freedom: A long line allows your dog to explore while still being under your control.
• Practice recall: Use the long line to practice the "come" command in different environments.
• Gradually shorten the line: As your dog's recall improves, you can shorten the long line.

By understanding and addressing these challenges, you can increase your dog's reliability when called.

A reliable recall is a cornerstone of a safe and enjoyable relationship with your dog. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can significantly improve your dog's response to the "come" command. Remember, consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key.

While many dogs can learn to come when called with dedicated training, some may require additional support. If you're struggling with persistent recall issues, consulting a professional dog trainer can provide valuable guidance and tailored strategies. With time and effort, you and your dog can enjoy the freedom and trust that comes with a strong recall.