Teaching your dog the "come" command is one of the most important and useful commands you can teach them. It's essential for their safety and well-being, and it can make life easier for both you and your furry friend. Below, we'll discuss how to teach your dog the command "come" using positive reinforcement.
Step 1: Choose a Reward.
The first step in teaching your dog the "come" command is to choose a reward that your dog loves. This could be a treat, a favorite toy, or verbal praise. Whatever it is, make sure it's something your dog is willing to work for.
Step 2: Start Indoors
It's best to start training your dog indoors, where there are fewer distractions. Begin by calling your dog's name and saying "come" in a happy and friendly tone. When your dog comes to you, give them the reward you've chosen. Once your dog understands the voice command of "come" integrate a hand signal with it. This might look like sticking your hand out, palm facing you and bringing it forward when saying "come". Hand signals are important for your dog to learn with the desired command. This helps establish the pattern of pairing a voice command with a physical signal.
Step 3: Gradually Increase the Distance
As your dog becomes more confident with the "come" command, you can gradually increase the distance between you and your dog.
Start by calling your dog from another room in your house, and then move on to calling them from outside the room. As your dog gets better at the command, you can start practicing in your backyard, then in a park or other outdoor space.
Step 4: Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is the key to teaching your dog the "come" command. Every time your dog comes to you, be sure to reward them with the chosen reward. If your dog doesn't come to you right away, don't punish them. Instead, go to them and bring them back to the spot where you called them from. When they come to you, give them the reward.
Step 5: Practice in Different Situations
Dogs learn through repetition, so it's important to practice the "come" command in different situations. Practice calling your dog when they're playing with their toys or when they're distracted by something outside. This will help them learn to come to you no matter what's going on around them.
Step 6: Be Patient and Consistent
Teaching your dog the "come" command takes time and patience. It's important to be consistent with your training and to practice regularly. If you're consistent and patient, your dog will learn the command and be able to come to you whenever you need them.
Remember, teaching your dog the "come" command is an essential part of their training. By using positive reinforcement, being patient, and practicing regularly, you can teach your dog to come to you in most situations. Remember to choose a reward that your dog loves, and always be consistent with your training!
Watch demonstrate how I teach my dog Finn how to "come" on command.
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