How to Train Dogs to Come

Teaching your dog to come is one of the most important things you can do as a responsible dog owner. A dog that reliably comes when called can enjoy walks and play at parks and beaches that allow unleashed dogs. You can call a trained dog away from altercations with unfriendly dogs or people who don't wish to encounter your pet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leather or nylon webbing collar that won't slip over your dog's head
• 6-foot training leash made of leather or nylon webbing (not chain)
• Light rope or clothesline 30 feet long, with a snap attachment on one end
• Dog treats
• Comfortable shoes

1. Attach your 6-foot training leash to your dog's collar and put a handful of dried dog treats in your pocket. Find an area free of distractions for your training session, such as a quiet room in your house or a corner of your yard. Plan to spend about 10 minutes a day teaching your dog the "come" command.

2. 
    
   Have your dog sit and stay.

   Have your dog sit and stay. Walk away from him to the end of the leash and turn and face him. If you haven't taught your dog the "stay" command, ask a helper to hold his collar to keep him in place while you walk away.

3. 
    
   Praise and reward your dog.

   Squat down, hold your arms wide and say your dog's name and "come" in a cheerful, inviting tone. It's important to say "come" only once because you want to teach your dog to respond immediately.
   Your dog may come to you right away, but if she doesn't, give a gentle pull on the leash and guide her to you. Praise her and give her a treat as soon as she comes. Repeat this process three or four times during your training session. Practice in each training session until your dog comes on command without prompting.

4. When your dog reliably responds to "come" from the end of a 6-foot leash, transition to the 30-foot rope for a longer distance recall. Attach the 30-foot rope to your dog's collar. Have your dog sit and stay. Walk to the end of the rope, and turn and face your dog. Squat, open your arms, and cheerfully call "come." If your dog doesn't move directly to you, use the rope to gently pull him toward you. When he gets to you, reward him with a treat and praise.

5. When your dog comes to you from 30 feet, teach your dog to come even when her attention is elsewhere. Work in a fenced or enclosed area if possible. Attach the 30-foot line to your dog's collar and allow her to move about at will, dragging the line. Walk around, but stay close to end of the rope. When your dog is distracted by something, say "come." If she doesn't respond, grab the rope, pull her quickly toward you, and praise and reward her. Practice doing this until she comes immediately when called without you pulling the rope.

6. Test your dog with distractions. With the 30-foot rope attached to your dog's collar, practice the "come" command at the park where other dogs are playing, near squirrels, cats, kids or whatever your dog typically finds irresistible. Your dog needs to understand that "come" must be obeyed no matter what.

7. When you're absolutely certain your dog will come to you no matter what, remove the rope. Start by having your dog sit and stay. Walk away about 30 feet and call him. He should come to you immediately. Then allow him to roam unleashed in an enclosed area and practice calling him. Continue to praise and reward your dog with treats. Eventually you can phase out the treats.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep training sessions short--no more than 10 or 15 minutes. Hold a training session every day. Be consistent. Use the same word for the same command every time. Always give the command cheerfully, and praise your dog.
• Never call your dog to you for punishment. He'll associate the "come" command with something unpleasant and be reluctant to respond the next time. Don't attempt to call your dog when he's off the leash until he's solidly trained. Without a leash, you have no way to reinforce the command if he doesn't respond.

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