Teaching Your Dog the "Come" Command

For the safety of your pet the "come" command is the most important command to teach. The goal in teaching the 'Come' command is to have a well disciplined dog that can always be brought to your side regardless of the situation. This is as much for your dog's safety and protection as it is for your convenience.

My method of teaching the "come" command to a dog involves the use of a collar and a long leash or check cord. However, your dog needs to become adjusted to the sensation of the collar and the effect of the leash. Do not start training until this is done. We prefer a leash that is at least 15 ft. long. Also, choose a training time when there are no distractions.
Stand with your dog several feet from you and gently pull him toward you with the leash. As he reaches you, give praise by gently reaching down to pet him, rubbing him across the shoulders a few times. It may also help to kneel down in a crouched position to encourage your dog to come to you.
You don't need to say anything at all yet because saying "come" will just be confusing to your dog at this point.

In all training, I believe that a dog should know and understand the action demanded of a command before you ever add human language to it. Dogs don't understand our words. They can be taught to understand but it is not a natural or instinctive process for them. Repeat the pulling-in and praise a few more times. The first lesson should only be a few minutes long; a dog's attention span is short and we want the lessons to be a fun time between dog and owner.

After a few sessions, you will notice that your dog comes easier and easier until the slightest tug on the cord starts him right toward you. This is exactly what we want. Giving treats is not necessary, but since this is such a difficult command for some dogs to learn, it may assist in training.

Once you are confident that your dog will start coming to you with the slightest pull on the leash, say "come" at the same instant you start to pull on the leash. Just say it once and don't repeat yourself. Do not raise your voice. Your dog will soon associate the action of "come" with the verbal command. Repeat this process until the leash, although still attached to the collar, plays no part in bringing your dog to you. Rather, he comes on his own as a response to the verbal command. At this point in the training, the leash can be removed.

Working in a controlled area, the command can be given and the correct behavior rewarded with mild praise. There will be instances when your dog challenges your authority. Then it is time to go back to using the leash for a period of time to refresh and remind your him.

Be careful how you use spoken commands around your dog. For example, he probably won't even hear you as he runs across the neighbor's yard, playing with another dog. Screaming "come-come-come" at a time like this only tells him that he can get away with disobeying your commands. Use common sense when using the command and make sure your dog always obeys. Also be sure that all family members use the same word for the same command. One person can't be saying "here", another saying "come here Ralph", and yet another "over here" and expect him to understand and obey.

"Come" is the most important command you'll ever teach your dog. It could save your dog's life. You and everyone around you will appreciate a dog that is obedient and under control.