How to Teach Your Dog to Come When Called

How to Teach Your Dog to Come When Called

Having a dog that comes when called is not only a sign of obedience, but also an important safety measure. It can be very frustrating when your dog ignores you, especially in dangerous situations. The good news is that with some patience and consistent training, most dogs can learn to come when called.

Choose a Command Word

The first step in training your dog to come when called is to choose a command word. A common command word is "come." Make sure to use the same word every time so that your dog associates it with the action you want them to perform.

Start Indoors

Begin training your dog indoors, where there are no distractions. Call your dog's name and say the command word in a cheerful voice. When your dog comes to you, give them plenty of praise and a treat. Repeat this several times until your dog consistently comes when called.

Gradually Increase Distractions

Once your dog is responding well to the command indoors, gradually increase the level of distraction. Start by training in a quiet room with a few distractions, then move to a room with more distractions, and so on. The goal is to make sure that your dog still comes when called even when there are other things going on.

Practice Outdoors

After your dog has mastered the command indoors, start practicing outdoors. It is important to have your dog on a leash at first so that you can control their movements. Call your dog's name and the command word. If your dog comes to you, give them plenty of praise and a treat. If they don't come, gently pull on the leash to encourage them in your direction. Repeat this several times until your dog is responding well to the command outdoors.

Reinforce Good Behavior

Make sure to reinforce good behavior every time your dog comes when called. Give them plenty of praise and treats, and be patient if they take a little longer to respond in new or distracting environments.

Be Consistent

Consistency is key in training your dog to come when called. Practice regularly and make sure everyone in your household uses the same command word and reinforces the behavior.

By following these steps, you can train your dog to come when called and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having a well-behaved and obedient pet.

hashtags: dog training, obedience, come when called, command word, indoor training, outdoor training, praise, treats, consistency, well-behaved dog.