Teaching a dog to come when called

One of the first lessons your dog needs to learn is to come when called.

Start with your dog on a six-foot leash. Call your dog's name and give the command "come". When your dog starts moving towards you, go crazy with praise to encourage your dog to keep coming. Reward you dog for coming with praise, treats, or a toy.

As soon as your dog is doing well on the six-foot leash, advance to a long line. A twenty-foot line works well. Next, take your dog to a public place and add distractions. Wait until your dog is sniffing around or visiting with another dog. Then, call your dog. You can use the long line to gently pull your dog towards you. Be patient and help your dog to learn. Always give lots of praise and never strike or yell at your dog.

Your dog should never be afraid to come to you. You must always reward your dog for coming to you, even if your reason for calling your dog is to stop undesirable behavior. Never punish a dog that comes when called.

Some dogs will come so fast that you need to brace yourself and be prepared to turn sideways to prevent being knocked to the ground. If you are small and your dog is large, teach your dog to sit in front of you, or circle you and sit down, rather than jump into your arms or bowl you over when called.

Dogs come to people who reward them with praise, affection, or treats. Dogs like to chase and be chased. You will exhaust yourself trying to chase your loose dog, and "catch me if you can" is a fun game for your dog. If you are trying to catch your loose dog, run away from your dog, or tempt your dog with a squeaky toy, a treat, or their leash.