One of the single most requested behaviours that people want their dogs to comply with is the oft-dreaded Come command. Why is it so hard? The simple reason lies in how humans view the world and dogs view the world. Here are a few simple tips to help your dog's come improve.
First, stop using come as the cue to end all fun. If you're playing off leash at the dog park and you only call your dog to come when it's time to leave – well, you can imagine that your canine companion thinks come is the worst word in the English language. Instead, practice calling come and rewarding your dog throughout the adventures you take together – the playtime at the dog park, off leash walks, etc.
Second, make come actually mean something. Don't just stand there – call come and walk (or better yet, run) in another direction and reward your dog for catching up. Call come and hide then reward your dog for finding you. Calling come and then just standing there looking at your dog doesn't really give any body language cues as to your intention.
Third, stop wasting the word. Repeating come multiple times is not going to get your dog to come to you any faster. Instead, call your dog once, and when your dog looks up towards you – praise your dog! It's much more fun to come when your dog knows that you're super happy with them. Not so fun when you stand still as a statue and just keep repeating the word come in a louder and more harsh tone. Who would you rather visit? Happy Person or Angry Person? Pretty Simple answer I bet.
Need more help teaching your pup to Come when Called? Give us a call at 780-513-4074. Partners Naturally 11117-100 Street, Grande Prairie, AB. PartnersNaturally.ca
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