Teaching the "Come" Command

Teaching 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 'come' to a puppy involves the use of a collar and
a long leash or check cord. However, your puppy 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 or cord that is at least 15 ft. long.
Also, choose a training time when there are no distractions.

Stand with the pup several feet from you and gently pull him toward you
with the cord. 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 the pup to come to you.

You don't need to say anything at all yet because saying 'come' will
just be confusing to the pup 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 pup's attention span is short and we want the
lessons to be a fun time between pup and owner.

After a few sessions, you will notice that the puppy comes easier and
easier until the slightest tug on the cord starts the pup 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 the pup will start coming to you with the
slightest pull on the cord, say 'come' at the same instant you start to pull
on the cord. Just say it once and don't repeat yourself. Do not raise your
voice. The pup will soon associate the action of 'come' with the verbal
command. Repeat this process until the cord, although still attached to the
collar, plays no part in bringing the puppy to you. Rather, the pup comes on
his own as a response to the verbal command. At this point in the training,
the cord 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 the pup challenges your authority. Then it is time to go back
to using the check cord for a period of time to refresh and remind your pup.

Be careful how you use spoken commands around your pup. For example, the
pup 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 a pup that he can get away with disobeying your commands. Use common
sense when using the command and make sure the puppy 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 the puppy 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. Pet Training Tips

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