Getting Your Dog to Come When Called – A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Training your dog to come when called is an important skill that every pet owner should teach their canine companion. Teaching your dog to come when called can help keep them safe and prevent them from getting lost or running away. It can also help build a strong bond between you and your pup and make it easier to take them out for walks and trips to the park. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to get your dog to come when called.

Step One: Establish a Command

The first step in teaching your dog to come when called is to establish a command. This command should be short and easily recognizable, such as “come” or “here.” It’s important to choose a command that you can easily remember and that your dog will understand.

Step Two: Reward Your Dog

Once you’ve established a command, it’s important to reward your dog for responding to it. This can be done by giving them treats, verbal praise, or even a belly rub. It’s important to reward your dog each time they respond to the command, as this will help reinforce the behavior.

Step Three: Practice in a Distraction-Free Environment

Once you’ve established a command and rewarded your dog for responding to it, it’s time to start practicing in a distraction-free environment. This could be in your home or in a quiet park. It’s important to practice in a place that is free of distractions so that your pup can focus on the task at hand.

Step Four: Start with Short Distances

Once you’ve practiced in a distraction-free environment, it’s time to start increasing the distance. Start by having your pup come from a few feet away and then gradually increase the distance. Make sure to reward your pup each time they come when called.

Step Five: Introduce Distractions

Once your pup is comfortable coming from a few feet away, it’s time to start introducing distractions. This could be other dogs, people, or even toys. Make sure to reward your pup each time they come when called, even when there are distractions present.

Step Six: Practice in Different Locations

Once your pup is comfortable coming when called with distractions, it’s time to start practicing in different locations. This could be a park, beach, or even your backyard. Make sure to reward your pup each time they come when called, even in new locations.

Step Seven: Increase the Distance

Once your pup is comfortable coming when called in different locations, it’s time to start increasing the distance. Start by having your pup come from a few feet away and then gradually increase the distance. Make sure to reward your pup each time they come when called.

Conclusion

Training your dog to come when called is an important skill that every pet owner should teach their canine companion. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily teach your pup to come when called and help keep them safe and prevent them from getting lost or running away. With patience and consistency, you can help build a strong bond between you and your pup and make it easier to take them out for walks and trips to the park.