Training 101: Come

come, commands - By Staff Writer on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 - 11:33

This command is used for getting your dog to come to you.  It is often the first thing a dog learns and is very easy to teach. Before you start you should make sure to read MetroSniff's 5 Cs Of Training.

Training Setting
Start out with your dog in an uncluttered area with minimal distractions where he can focus on you.   You should pick a place inside where there are no other dogs, toys or things that could take your dogs attention away from the task at hand.  Once your dog has learned the trick you can move on to a more challenging location.

Supplies
Have some treats that your dog loves on hand.  At first you will want to use praise and treats but eventually you can into life rewards where the reward is something good in life.  For example if you use the come command and you then put your dog's leash on and go to the park.  The reward is getting to go to the park.

Step 1
When your dog is away from you but in your general area say "come."  In the beginning your dog will likely need to be shown the treat.  When your dog gets to you treat your pup and praise your dog wildly.   Continue like this until your dog begins to understand.

Step 2
Once your dog gets the basics you can start to make it more challenging. Use the command when your dog is not paying attention or is busy with a toy.  Follow up with praise and treats when your dog obeys.

Step 3
After you are sure your dog understands you can begin to use the command in very difficult settings.   At the dog park is good practice because dogs are distracted and do not want to leave.  While at the park say "come" to your dog  intermittently and when your dog arrives praise wildly.  We do NOT recommend taking treats to a dog park even if it is just for training. 

Now that your dog has the trick down use it as often as possible.  Use it at dinner time, walk time, bed time and whenever it will fit.  The key to training is drilling the lesson into your pups brain and practicing as often as possible so it is available when you really need it.  The one thing that should be noted is you should NEVER use this when you are angry.  Never say "come" to your dog and then punish.  Doing so will make your dog not want to listen to you and will undermine all of your training.