How to Train Your Dog to Come When Called

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

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

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

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

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

4. Reward your dog with a treat after he approaches you.

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

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

7. Praise and encourage your dog as he comes to you.

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.

[dashund2009]

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

[pukalani]

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?

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.

on 11/22/2005 If you want to teach your dog to come or stay by your side, then every time he trots off too far, start walking in the opposite direction. Your dog will soon learn that by going too far he loses you and he should (with time) stick by your side. Also, when he comes back, have treats handy to reinforce this good behavior.

on 11/22/2005 I bought a cheap, really long, and light, rope at the hardware store. After he undersood to "Come" when called inside, we moved outside and practiced with some distractions. The long rope was attached to his collar. No matter what, he couldn't run off without a tug and a reminder to "Come." Praise them every time they come. Practice and reinforce the good behavior.