How To Teach The Come Command
COME
The "come"command should be introduced as early as possible, and can be started as early as seven weeks. This should be the first spoken command your dog learns, and should always be followed with praise.
- Tell your dog to “Come” when you feed him (instant reward).
- Have him follow you around while using an animated tone, saying his name and “Come.”
- You can use toys to further motivate him to come to you.
- Be sure to give him lots of praise when he comes to you, both verbally and with petting.
Never call the dog to you to reprimand him. If the dog needs a correction, go to him.
A dog should always feel that coming to you is a good thing.
Leash training:
- Start with your dog sitting a few feet away from you with his leash on.
- Call him in a happy voice, using his name and the “Come” command.
- Tug him gently.
- Welcome him by bending down on one knee with your arms out.
- When he reaches you, he may be so excited that he jumps on you or rolls on the ground.
- Since he responded correctly to the command, do not correct for these other behaviors. Initially let him be overly enthusiastic, and then gradually encourage him to sit when he comes to you.