Tips on Training Your Dog to Come When Called

Being a dog lover, I want to make sure my dog comes when she is called. Dog training a dog to come when they are called is not that difficult. The command "come" can protect your dog from dangerous situations.

Never give punishment or a negative voice when a dog comes after it has been called. Sometimes it may take several commands of "come" before the dog registers what it is you expect them to do. Always praise them when they do come.

When out of the house or your own private fenced in area, always keep the dog on a leash. When allowed to run freely outside of their home environment, they will come to see being leashed as a negative. Why would they want to come when they are called and give up the fun of running?

You can start training your dog to by using their dry dog food. Make sure the dog is a little hungry before starting their training; they will be much more responsive. Start out by eliminating all dog treats. If they show no interest in a piece of their dog food, take the bowl of food away. If this means they may have to skip a meal that is alright, they will not starve missing one meal. By the time of their next meal, hold a piece of the dry dog food and give the command to "come". When they respond, praise them and give them the dog food.

If you take your dog to a doggy play area, run and play with your dog. Don't make the mistake of letting your dog run with other dogs. They will find the other dogs more fun than you. You want to be the one who is fun for your dog to be with. Make sure when you call to your dog to come you reward them with a treat. Do this several times before it is actually time to leave and have to re-leash your dog, that way your dog will not associate responding to your call to "come" as time to end having fun playing.

When it is time for unpleasant tasks, such as bathing, nail clipping, grooming, do not call for the dog to "come". Go and get the dog and then do what needs to be done. Anything that you think the dog may connect as negative events, do not use a command. A command should not feel like any negatives.

Once the dog starts responding regularly to the dog food treats, you can start incorporating a fun treat like a dog bone. This can be a special praise from time to time. After a while, you can stop giving treats gradually and just give praise to the dog. Save treats for just special times. Dogs love praise and a gentle touch.

Occasionally, your dog may back slide a little and you may have to restart your dog training again. Dog training is a continuous on going activity. Usually it is because we have gotten relaxed in our behavior and the dog picks up on bad habits.