How to teach your dog with a "come" command.
Introduction
The "Come" command is one of the most important commands that you can teach your dog. It is a lifesaver in many situations, such as when your dog is running into the street or when they are about to get into a fight with another dog.
Common Misconceptions
- You should never use the "Come" command as a punishment. This will only make your dog afraid of the command and less likely to obey it. Instead, use the "Come" command in a positive way, such as when you are playing a game with your dog and you want them to come to you for a treat.
- You should never use the "Come" command if your dog is already coming to you. This can be confusing for your dog and they may eventually start to ignore the command. Instead, wait until your dog is finished coming to you before giving the command again.
"Come" Command - Video Walkthrough
Steps to Address
Teaching Phase:
- Start with your dog in a sit position.
- Have a treat in your hand.
- Take a few steps back from your dog.
- Luring your dog towards you with the treat, say the "Come" command as they approach.
- Mark and reward your dog with the treat when they reach you.
- Repeat steps 1-4 several times.
- Gradually increase the distance you step back from your dog.
Reinforcing Phase:
- Once your dog is reliably coming to you when you take a few steps back, you can start to introduce distractions.
- For example, you can try tossing a toy or calling their name.
- If your dog comes to you when you call them, mark and reward them with the treat.
- Repeat steps 1-4 several times, gradually increasing the level of distraction.
Proofing Phase:
- Once your dog is reliably coming to you with distractions, you can start to practice in different environments.
- For example, you can try practicing in your backyard, at the park, or in a store.
- Gradually increase the distance you step back from your dog and the level of distraction.
Maintenance Phase:
- Once your dog is reliably coming to you in different environments with distractions, you can start to move into the maintenance phase.
- This means that you will need to continue practicing the "Come" command regularly to keep it fresh in your dog's mind.
- You can also try practicing the command in new and challenging situations, such as when your dog is excited or when there are a lot of people around.
- It is important to keep the training sessions short and fun. If your dog starts to get bored or frustrated, take a break and try again later. With regular practice, your dog will be able to come to you reliably for the rest of their life.
Case Studies
- Case Study 1:
A client came to Partners Dog School with a 1-year-old Golden Retriever named Buddy who was very playful. Buddy would often run off and chase squirrels. The client was worried that Buddy would get hit by a car. We started by teaching Buddy the "Come" command. We used a combination of positive reinforcement and proofing to help Buddy learn the command. After a few weeks of training, Buddy was reliably coming when we called him, even when he was chasing squirrels.
- Case Study 2:
Another client came to Partners Dog School with a 3-year-old Border Collie named Bailey who was very anxious. Bailey would bark and lunge at other dogs when he saw them. We started by teaching Bailey the "Come" command. We also taught Bailey a "Leave it" command so that we could get him away from other dogs when he was feeling overwhelmed. After a few weeks of training, Bailey was reliably coming when we called him, even when he was feeling anxious.
Pet Parent Coaching Tips
- Be consistent with your training. The more consistent you are with the "Come" command, the more likely your dog is to obey it.
- Be patient. It takes time and patience to teach a dog a new command. Don't get discouraged if your dog doesn't learn the "Come" command right away. Keep practicing and eventually they will get it.
- Make it fun! Dogs learn best when they are having fun. Make sure you are using positive reinforcement and make the training process as enjoyable as possible for your dog.
Conclusion
The "Come" command is one of the most important commands that you can teach your dog. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can teach your dog the "Come" command in a positive and effective way.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What if my dog doesn't come when I call him?
A: If your dog doesn't come when you call him, you can try using a physical barrier to block him from moving. You can also try using a leash to restrain your dog and help them come to you. - Q: What if my dog comes when I call him but then runs away again?
A: If your dog comes when you call him but then runs away again, you can try giving them a short time-out. This will help them learn that they will not be rewarded for running away.