Learning to teach a dog to come when called is a fundamental skill for any dog owner. It is also one of the most valuable tricks to make any walks together much more fun and keep them safe outside in any danger. To train your dog to be mastered this command, keep reading our Canvas Personalized Blog with 4 foolproof steps you wish to know soon. Check them out now!
1. How To Teach A Dog To Come On Command?
What You’ll Need
Starting to train your dog any desired tricks may be challenging on the first try, even if you train dog to come on command. So you must pay close attention to any necessary details before teaching the dog to come when called. Check the list below to make sure you’ve prepared well.
- A comfortable and less distracting space
- A long training leash
- High-value training treats or joy toys
- A short training session scheduled for 15 to 20 minutes per day
- Patience
- Enthusiasm
4 Foolproof Steps How To Train Dog To Come
Follow these step-by-step foolproof guides below to teach dog to come when called. Remember to make your training session a great experience for you and your dog to enjoy together.
Step 1: Start In A Quiet And Less Distracting Indoor Space
Please keep your dog 10 or 15 feet away when asking the dog to sit or stay on command. Reward them or retrain your dog to sit or remain confidently before moving on to the next step.
*Pro tip: When teaching a dog to come outside, such as to your yard or a park, use a long leash of about 30 feet.
Step 2: Gently Talk To Your Dog
After about 3-5 minutes in the sitting or staying position, start calling the dog’s name in a happy and upbeat voice while maintaining direct eye contact. Remember to add “come” whenever you teach dog to come when called. Add some cheerful body language, such as clapping your hands or patting your legs, to encourage your dog as they start moving toward you. Then give them a treat as soon as they reach you.
*Pro tip: Pay attention to your tone and body language. You should only use a joyful, cheerful tone of voice and avoid making any threatening noises or appearing intimidating with your dog. Consider using the same terminology each time and saying “come” rather than “here.”
Step 3: Repeat & Increase The Distance
Repeat steps 1 and 2 several times to make your dog aware that this is good behavior or that they did a good job. It’s a great time to gradually repeat these steps at different places and distances. Until you can call your dog in and out from room to room or outside.
*Pro tip: Learning is primarily dependent on repetition. You must return and keep practicing these steps with your dog if it doesn’t work because dog recall training can take longer or shorter for different dogs.
Step 4: Increase The Difficulties By Adding Some Distractions
When your dog has a firm recall cue, try gradually introducing a little distraction in your home, such as a toy or treat, and rewarding them whenever they focus and come to you on command. You can start getting your dog to walk or join dog park training sessions and randomly ask them to come because of their efforts. Remember to reward them when they perform well in dog recall training. Repeat this several times to make them do this trick confidently.
2. Advanced Methods
Besides the essential dog training tips to help your dog get used to coming to you on command, we also provide you with other advanced techniques that you will surely come across when teaching a dog to come. In addition to simple training, creating exciting games from dog recall training is also considered attractive for your dogs. Take a look at the helpful suggestions below:
How To Teach A Dog To Come When Called Without A Treat
Using a treat or toy to reward your dog will lay the groundwork for a relationship because they will know good things happen whenever you call them to come. It would be best to give your dog treats less frequently than at the beginning or cut them into smaller pieces. Giving them low-fat and less sugary goodies is also a good idea, but consider their health if they suffer from allergies. Moreover, include their favorite toys in your dog recall training.
How To Teach A Dog To Come When Whistling
It’s always an excellent way to train a dog to come when you whistle. You can use it if you are outside with many noises, and your dog can hear your “come” cue so that a whistle might serve as a “backup” signal. Follow these steps above and add some lines:
- Stand in front of your dog as you train it to respond to a whistle, and reward them if they respond actively to your command.
- Repeat it for 20–30 seconds twice a day. After a week, increase the distance between you and your dog, which will cause them to take one or two steps toward you. When they reach you, please give them a treat and praise them.
- If they still don’t come to you, try again at a somewhat further distance.
Make More Fun Games
- Catch Me: While walking your dog on a leash, catch their attention, turn around, and run a few steps. Begin by saying “come” to get your dog to follow and see you. Then reward and give a treat once your dog catches you. Remember not to yank the leash while you run with your dog.
- Find me: Once your dog has gotten the hang of being recalled, it’s time to increase the speed by calling them from a long distance. Remember to express your affection and gratitude to them when they find you. Hence, you and your pup will have a blast together when playing this classic game of hide-and-seek.
- Hot Potato: Gather a group of family members and have each one hold a small treat in hand, then separate. Take turns calling each other and reward your dog whenever they reach everyone.
3. Noticeable Things In Dog Recall Training
Teaching the dog to come when called is a skill that requires enthusiasm and patience. Ensure your dog is in a good mood and feels calm to get the most out of your training sessions. Specifically, you should take into consideration the following:
- Use positive reinforcement to teach a dog to come on command.
- Before you train dog to come, check with your vet to see if it has any health or behavior problems.
- Never scold, force, or intimidate your dog the first time they make a mistake.
- Don’t be in a rush or repeat this trick so many times in a day. Gradually increase the difficulties and distractions. Avoid sudden movements because they confuse your dog and reduce their trust in you.
- Don’t teach a dog to come in a too-distracting place because their capacity to remember a command can be impaired.
- In tense situations, you shouldn’t bother calling your dog.
- Reward your dog for obeying the rule rather than correcting them when they misbehave.
- If you’re feeling overwhelmed or irritated, wait until you feel better before beginning your workout.
>>Further reading:
- How to Teach a Dog to Heel? – Best Tips for Naughty Friends
- Teach A Dog To Fetch Perfectly: Basic Guide in 5 Steps
If you want to give your pup some off-leash time but still maintain control, teach a dog to come is a must-do for every dog owner. It may take some time and practice these simple steps from Canvas Personalized Blog above, but it’s worth preventing your dog from anything harmful. We hope you will find it helpful!
