How to Train Your Dog to Come When Called

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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As with any sort of training, start your dog off slowly when teaching him to come, then gradually increase your expectations.

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Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Canvas Dog Toys
Dog Leashes
Dog Toys
Dog Training Aids
Dog Treats
Fleece Dog Toys
Leather Dog Collars
Rope Dog Toys
Vinyl Dog Toys

Step 1

Begin inside the house, with you and your dog in the same room.
Step 2

Have some dog treats on hand. Facing your dog, back up a few steps.
Step 3

Call the dog by name, followed by the simple command "Come." (For example: "Spike, come.")
Step 4

Reward your dog with a treat after he approaches you.
Step 5

Slowly increase your expectations for your pup by calling him from another room.
Step 6

Gradually move into the backyard, front yard on a long leash and so on.
Step 7

Praise and encourage your dog as he comes to you.
Step 8

Remember to say "good" right when the dog exhibits the behavior you want.

Tips & Warnings

Set your dog up for success: Only call when you know he's likely to come. Otherwise, you'll be teaching him not to come.
Adopt a casual, relaxed attitude and practice with your dog throughout the day.
If the treat isn't enough to entice your dog to come, put a leash on him and face him, leash in hand (leave some slack on the leash). Give the "come" command and then give the leash a gentle tug. Reward your dog when he comes to you.

Comments

kims3003 said

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on 8/7/2009 this worked

berhan89 said

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on 7/27/2009 have some snacks in hand when calling your dog when it sees the snack it will come twords you but when you do this be careful not to spoil the dog.

dashund2009 said

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on 4/8/2009 I have a new 6 month Dashund who does not listen to any cammands except sit whe she see a treat in hand help what will be a good way to get her to listen ??? help

on 11/8/2006 Can you still train an old dog new tricks? I have a little chiuahuah (sorry for the spelling) terrier who basically has a mind of her own. When I call her, she looks at me and then turns and runs away. Is there any help for me?

Anonymous said

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on 8/28/2006 With our St. Bernard, I would teach her how to come by taking an empty butter tub and filling it with a few Cheerios. When I wanted her to come, I would shake the tub and when she came over to investigate, she got a Cheerio. After a few times, she would come running whenever she heard that sound.