| Learning to come when called is a behavior that's | | | | treat, regardless of what else he's been asked to do |
| fairly easy to train, especially when treats are | | | | beforehand, so I make Sit the end of most of the |
| involved. | | | | behaviors I teach. |
| To begin, get your dog's attention, and put him in a | | | | Teaching your dog to come this way usually won't |
| sit position. Then, step back one or two steps while | | | | take you long at all, so mix it up at other times with |
| keeping that treat as close to your dog as possible. | | | | just asking him to come when his attention isn't on |
| Bring the treat toward you as you say 'Come'. He | | | | you, you're in another room, or you're at the other |
| should walk over to you following the treat. | | | | end of the room. Just remember that when you give |
| As your dog gets close to you, tell him he's a good | | | | him a command, make sure he completes the |
| boy and have him sit directly in front of you. Give | | | | command by the third time, even if you have to go |
| him the treat after he's in the sit. Then, simply repeat | | | | find him and make him walk two steps toward you |
| the exercise by backing up a few more steps. Don't | | | | to get his praise. |
| worry if he doesn't let you get very far away at this | | | | No matter how you get your dog to come to you, |
| point; we'll work on teaching the Stay command | | | | always remember to tell him he's a good boy when |
| next. Since all we want right now is for your dog to | | | | he gets there, ask him to sit and give him praise, and |
| come when called, just say 'Come' as he follows you | | | | a treat, if you have one handy. Before long, you'll be |
| when you step away, and reward him. | | | | able to take your dog to the dog park, hiking or any |
| Also, a quick note on having your dog sit at the end | | | | other place off-lead with complete confidence that |
| of this behavior. It's usually helpful to train your dog | | | | he'll return to you when you call. |
| that Sit is always the way to get attention or a | | | | |