One of the most widely used dog commands is the "come" command.
However, dog owners end up losing their patience when going to the dog park or other open areas where their dog can be off the leash.
Why? Let me give you an example.
Let's say you and your dog are at the dog park and she is playing with another dog or perhaps chasing a squirrel.
She's off her leash and you have only taught her a couple of times at home how to come to you at your command.
You can bet your life she will not come when you call her.
She is having too much fun! Unless you have that "come" command mastered, there is nothing you can do to enforce it at that time.
Here's what you can do..
1.
Train Them ON the Leash First You must teach your dog the "come" command while ON the leash first.
You must have this 100% mastered! If you take her off the leash too soon and she hasn't completely learned what that "come" command is, it will backfire on you.
Do this training for 15 minutes a day for about two weeks.
2.
Don't Keep Repeating the Command The command must not be repeated! Say it once and if she doesn't respond, enforce it with a flick of the leash.
3.
Train Them OFF the Leash Second When your dog has the above down to a science, take her off the leash.
But take her off the leash at home...
not the dog park yet.
Also, make sure you use a variety of leash lengths in several different situations.
Do this every day for 15 minutes for two weeks.
You should have it mastered by that time.
Don't freak out, it doesn't take that long for every dog.
4.
Put a Smile on Your Face Make sure you have a very happy voice when you call your dog.
They respond much better.
Never yell your command! They know when you're angry and will think they are going to be punished.
Would you come to someone when they are yelling at you? It's no different for your dog.
5.
Your Posture Says a Lot Have your posture in a very welcoming state.
It's amazing how well dogs can read their owners, so if you squat down and have your arms open for her, she will feel welcomed.
Most dogs will immediately respond to this.
6.
Don't Keep Repeating Your Dog's Name If you repeat your dog's name over and over again, you can bet she will just become immune to it.
Keep it to a minimum.
She knows her name, so when she starts coming towards you, praise her a lot! Tell her what a good girl she is and have a treat ready for her.
This way she will associate that praise with coming toward you.
As you have probably realized, the "come" command is definitely one of the most important commands you can teach your dog.
However, it's also one of the hardest for them.
When you ask them to "come", they are normally leaving something fun and interesting.
That's asking a lot of your dog.
Make sure you spend a lot of time on this in different situations and different levels of distraction.
That way she can learn in several different ways so she is ready for the dog park and other open areas.
Remember to be patient.
It takes time.