Dog Training Camp

Training Your Dog To Come

Dog aren’t really stubborn. But they don’t know exactly what they want. They just want to explore the environment. They sniff everything, turn things over, dig and snatch small objects. Therefore, when training your dog, a backyard with a clear area or a large room with few small objects on the floor is best because your dog will pay more attention to you than anything else’s.

Start by facing the dog, putting it in a sit. Execute the “stay” command, then back away a step or two. Issue the hand-gesture and voice command. Praise lavishly for the correct behavior, but never reward incorrect ones.

Repeat, stepping further away. If the dog comes too soon, put it in a sit/stay and try again.
If the dog won’t come at all, encourage with a treat or favorite toy.

For the slow learners, leash and collar training can be a useful supplement. If the dog refuses to come, give a gentle but unmistakable tug while executing the voice command and hand gesture.

For the dog who comes a little, get a long leash or rope and wrap around a tree or post. As the dog lifts off too early, give the leash a tug and execute a “stay” command.

Please remember that dogs don’t understand the usefulness of “come” or any other human command right away. So you need to be patient when training your dog. Most dogs will prove themselves eager to please and responsive to correct behavior in no time.