How to Use a Long Line to Teach Your Dog to Come

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Summary: Getting your dog to come when called is one of the most important commands you can teach your dog. When your dog comes when called your dog's quality of life is greatly improved. A dog that can be let off leash in safe places will get more mental and physical exercise. The freedom of being off leash and allowed to run is also great for your dog's health. Here is how to teach your dog to come back.

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By Eric Letendre
eHow Presenter

Eric Letendre, author of the book "The Amazing Dog Training Man," has been professionally training dogs for the past 20 years and has helped literally thousands of dog owners learn...read more

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    A long line is just a leash that is 20 to 30 feet long. You can buy one at most pet stores or you can make your own out of a clothesline.

  2. Step 2

    The best place to practice is an open field where the long line won't get tangled. Before you go to the field make sure that you have a flat collar on your dog and some treats that your dog really likes.

  3. Step 3

    Attach the long line to your dog's collar and let your dog into the area where you are going to practice. With the long line on your dog you don't need to stay close to your dog, just stay close to the long line.

  4. Step 4

    Once your dog is about 15 to 20 feet away from you say your dog's name and then the command "Come."

  5. Step 5

    If your dog doesn't respond to your command pick up the long line and give your dog the command "Come," but this time you are going to give the long line a tug and at the same time back up a few feet.

  6. Step 6

    You need to back up as you're doing this. By backing up the movement will draw your dog towards you. If you stand still as you call your dog, there is a good chance that your dog will not come towards you.

  7. Step 7

    As your dog comes toward you bend down. When you lower your body closer to the ground your body language is much more appealing to your dog. Body language is important when you're training.

  8. Step 8

    As your dog gets to you take your dog's collar in your hand and give your dog a treat with the other. You want to have the collar before you give the treat. The reason for this is simple: A lot of dogs will not get close enough to the owner for them to grab. We want to make sure you have your dog before you give the treat.

  9. Step 9

    After you have given your dog the treat, let him go back to what he was doing. Sometimes we unintentionally punish our dogs for coming to us. A typical scenario has the owner calling the dog when the dog is free and having fun. The dog comes to the owner and the owner puts a leash on the dog ending all the fun and teaching the dog that coming when called means end of freedom.

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eHow Article: How to Use a Long Line to Teach Your Dog to Come

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