Teaching Come

Teaching your dog to come when called is important for safety, control, off-leash freedom, vet visits, emergencies, positive social interactions, and mental stimulation. It establishes your authority, prevents accidents, allows for off-leash activities, helps during vet visits, ensures safety in emergencies, promotes good behavior, and engages your dog's mind. Use rewards, praise, and consistency for effective training.

To teach your dog to come when called, follow these steps:

1. Start in a quiet and distraction-free environment. Choose a calm area in your home or a fenced yard.

2. Use a positive and motivating tone of voice. Make sure to be enthusiastic and encouraging.

3. Begin by saying your dog's name followed by the word "come" in a clear and upbeat manner.

4. As you call your dog, crouch down, open your arms, and offer a treat or a favorite toy as a reward.

5. When your dog starts to come towards you, continue to use encouraging words and gestures to reinforce their progress.

6. When they reach you, give them the reward and praise them enthusiastically.

7. Repeat these steps in short sessions throughout the day, gradually increasing the distance between you and your dog.

8. Once your dog responds reliably in the controlled environment, gradually introduce distractions and practice in different locations.

9. Practice the recall command regularly and reinforce it with rewards and praise to maintain their responsiveness.

Remember:

- Keep training sessions short and positive to keep your dog engaged and motivated.

- Always reward your dog when they come to you, even if they take a long time or make a mistake.

- Avoid punishment or negative reinforcement, as it can make your dog hesitant or fearful of coming to you.

- Be patient and consistent in your training efforts.

- Gradually increase the difficulty level by practicing in more challenging environments or with higher distractions.