Dog Obedience Training for the "Come" Command or "Recall" Command
The dog come obedience command or dog recall is probably the most important command to learn for your dog's safety. If you ever had a dog disobey you and run away, especially in a public setting, most likely a feeling of embarrassment, worry and grief came over you. No one wants to lose control of their pet and have them placed in harm's way. That is why this command is so important.
As well as safety you can provide a level of freedom for your dog. With the "come' command you can be confident to allow your dog free roam outdoors.
The essential idea when using the come or recall command is to put an immediate stop to the action the dog is currently doing and come back to their owner. Not always easy to do as dogs with a strong sense of smell will be harder to break their attention span on the things they are chasing.
Rules To Remember When Training Your Dog to Come
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Until you are certain the dog will respond to the come command, do not release them from the leash in public settings.
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If the come command fails and your dog does not obey, do not run after them right away. Wait and see if they will come back to you. After some time if they do not come back then you will need to retrieve your dog and practice training while using a leash.
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Be sure you have reinforced a positive response when the dog obeys the come command. Never use the come command in situations where you know the dog will fail to obey you. Always create a good association when the come command is obeyed.
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Never punish the dog when they follow the come command. Even if the dog does not come right away.
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Using treats and praise will provide a positive reason for the dog to come back to you when you call.
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Try to use the command in day to day situations. Train in the house or outside after the dog relieves themselves.
As with all training it is best to start at a young age. Start slow and stay consistent with the commands. If you chose to use the word "come" do not switch to the word "here".
My Dog Does Not Respond to My Calls
The most common reasons why dogs fail to respond to the come command is poor training and not enough positive reinforcement. Other reasons why your dog will ignore your cries to come are:
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No punishment or consequences for disobeying your command. Dogs should be held accountable for their actions but only directly after they disobey.
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Strong sense of smell or visual stimulus such as another dog is more interesting than following the command.
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Accidental punishment for when the dog obeys the come command. If you need to leave the house and you call the dog inside then lock them in a crate. This negative association of the come/recall command will teach them not to obey it.
Fast Techniques for Dogs to Learn the Come Command
1 - Use the natural instincts of puppies to your advantage. Young dogs love to follow their owners around. Start out simple and praise them and show you are happy they shadow your every move. As they keep following, start introducing the cue word for come. Most dog owners say "come" but you could use what ever word you would like to attach to this command.
2 - Increase the use of the cue word and train in quiet, less distracting environments. Start adding the dogs name to your cue world and reinforce all positive results with praise and organic treats.
3 - Time to add a little more excitement for the dog. Introduce fun games such as hide and go seek within your home. If the dog comes to you make sure to reward them. You can also play a game of "doggie in the middle". With two or more people, sit across from each other with the dog in between. Begin calling the dog over one at a time. Back and forth the dog will go and the association with the cue word and the action will increase. This also enforces the command to work with other family members. Remember to reward or praise your dog each time they visit the person that calls out to them.
4 - As soon as you feel the dog understand the command in a non distracting environment it is time to take them outside. Using a leash, begin walking your dog. A longer leash such as the 26' Flexi Giant Comfort Lead
5 - In an area with more freedom to run such as your yard, park or field. Attach a long line to your dogs collar. Something longer than most leashes that can extend 20 feet or more such as a tie-out.
6 - Once the dog begins to understand and follows the commands it's time to practice with a friend in an open setting. With two or more people, go to a secure open area free from dangers such as moving cars. One person and the dog will walk 20-30 feet away from you. Then they will release the dog from the leash and you use the come command. When the dog runs over to you, reward them. Continue doing this and extend the distance each time.
7 -Once this is mastered it is time to add distractions. This works best with a third person. Create a triangle with each person standing on the corners. One person holds the leashed dog, the other the dog's favorite chew toy or ball. The last corner is where you stand. The person shows the dog the chew toy and drops it at their feet. The dog is released, and then you use the cue word to call them over. If the dog goes for you then congratulations! Praise the dog for their efforts. If the dog runs to the chew toy then keep practicing the steps above. |
Stay patient and keep practicing. In time your dog will understand they benefit when following the cue word and coming to your side. Teaching your dog to come will make your life as a dog owner less stressful and more exciting. Not all dogs are good candidates for releasing them off of their lease in public settings. Know your breed and find out if your dog is suitable for allowing greater freedom
Most Common Dog Obedience Commands
Click on each of the following commands for detail training on each one.
