How I Trained My Dog: Come

Let me tell you about my journey training Max. It wasn't easy, and I made plenty of mistakes along the way, but I learned a lot.

Training your dog to come should be as easy as, “Rover, come on over!” And sometimes it is, at least with puppies.

Brand-new pups will approach anything with a pulse.

Praising your pup when they do what you ask is common sense.

During early training, it is important to praise your pup all the time they approach.

Watching Max go through this was heartbreaking.

at some time in your puppy’s life, they will: 1) start towards you but run off when they sees a distraction, 2) run off when you reach for their collar and 3) not even bother to come at all..

I felt so guilty when I realized what was happening.

later on in training, you can reprimand the pup if they try to run off, but punishing the pup during early training will decrease the likelihood of coming when called.

If the pup does not come or if it reverses direction mid-recall, immediately get the pup’s attention by shouting their name, and then quickly run away from the pup.

Immediately begin praising your pup as soon as they head towards you again..

Why give your puppy a treat.

Well, eventually, recall should be an all-or-nothing response.

It’s crucial to train your pup before they reach adolescence and start training you.

A growing puppy may rebel during training.

Never call your dog to punish it.

For example, if your dog soiled the house in your absence, it’s too late for punishment now.

Do not use “come here” as a control command until you have practiced and perfected reliable, integrated recalls.

Until then, use “sit” or “down,” which are much simpler commands.

Never call your dog to confine them. Instead use a place-command, such as: “Go to your crate,” “Go to your mat,” or “Outside.”

If you're going through something similar, know that you're not alone. And definitely talk to your vet - they know way more than I do!