Teaching your dog the “come here” command is one of the most vital lessons for any dog owner. It’s not just about obedience; it’s about safety, freedom, and building a strong, trusting bond with your canine companion. As dog trainers, we often observe common pitfalls that hinder this essential skill, leading to frustration for both the owner and the dog. This guide will walk you through proven strategies to effectively teach your dog to reliably respond to the “come here” command, ensuring a happier and safer life for your pet.
The ability for your dog to reliably return to you when called, often referred to as a recall, is a cornerstone of responsible dog ownership. It allows your dog to safely explore off-leash in appropriate environments, play with other dogs, and enjoy the freedom they deserve, all while you maintain control and peace of mind. Without a solid recall, many dogs are condemned to a life on the leash, which can limit their exercise and mental stimulation. Understanding how to build this foundation is key to unlocking a more fulfilling life for your dog and for you. One common challenge arises when owners use the command before the dog fully understands it or in situations where the dog is unlikely to comply, inadvertently teaching the dog to ignore the command. how to teach your dog how to come
Laying the Foundation: Don’t Use a Command the Dog Doesn’t Know
Imagine playing with a new puppy in the yard. The pup is joyfully zipping around, exploring. If you haven’t yet introduced the “come here” command, it’s best not to use it in these initial interactions. Instead, focus on luring your puppy to you with high-value treats and enthusiastic encouragement. For instance, get down on your knees with food visible in your hand, coaxing the pup gently. It might take a moment, but once the pup comes, reward them instantly and generously. This approach, without verbal commands, establishes a positive association with approaching you.
Many owners inadvertently create a negative association with the recall command by repeatedly calling their dog when they know the dog won’t listen. This habit teaches the dog that “come here” is optional, or worse, associated with something negative like the end of play or being put back on a leash. The command “here” (or “come”) is paramount in dog training. A dog that consistently obeys this command not only enhances your control but also grants them immense freedom. They can roam freely in parks and interact with other dogs, knowing their owner can recall them at any moment. Dogs lacking this reliable recall are often confined to leashes, limiting their experiences and potentially affecting their well-being. Therefore, dedicating time to teaching this command effectively is crucial.
Ensuring Success: Only Call When You’re Sure They’ll Listen
When introducing the “come here” exercise to a new puppy or dog, two principles are paramount from day one:
- Use the command only when you are certain the dog will respond. This means ensuring your dog is sufficiently motivated to come to you (e.g., with highly desirable treats or a favorite toy) and that there are no overwhelming distractions nearby that might divert their attention.
- If you are unsure of compliance, maintain control of the situation. This can be achieved by keeping your dog on a long leash or a retractable lead. This way, you can gently guide them towards you if they hesitate, ensuring they always complete the action of coming to you when the command is given. This consistency builds a strong foundation.
By consistently applying these rules from the beginning, you establish a robust understanding of the “come here” command. It teaches your dog that “come here” always means a reward and a positive interaction with you, without the opportunity to ignore the command. A retractable leash can be an excellent tool in the early stages, allowing your dog some freedom to explore while ensuring you can intervene and reinforce the command effectively, especially when practicing how to teach a dog to come and stay.
A person using a retractable leash to maintain control over their dog during training
Making “Come Here” Positive: Varied Calls and Consistent Rewards
A frequent error in recall training is that dogs are only called when on a leash or in situations where distractions are high, such as when other dogs approach. When the “come here” command consistently precedes being leashed or redirected from an exciting encounter, the dog learns to associate it with negative outcomes. They may start to scan their surroundings for other dogs or potential distractions, rather than focusing on you. This can make the command feel like a punishment rather than an invitation to a reward.
We advise owners to call their dog periodically during walks or play, even when there’s no specific need, and then immediately reward them. As soon as your dog returns, give them a high-value treat and enthusiastic praise, then release them to continue playing. This makes the command incredibly positive. The dog hears their name and the command, comes to you for a pleasant reward, and then gets to return to their activity. This positive feedback loop will motivate your dog to come back to you eagerly every time. This approach also reinforces [how to teach a dog to come every time](https://dogcarestory.com/how-to-teach-a-dog-to-come-every time/).
This method is universally effective, even with highly motivated working dogs. For example, in KNPV (Royal Dutch Police Dog Association) training, dogs are intensely driven to engage a decoy in biting exercises. There’s also an exercise where the dog must stop chasing the decoy and return to the handler upon command. Initially, when I train this with my dogs, after they listen to the “come here” command, I immediately allow them to return to the decoy and continue the bite work. This links something incredibly positive—the continuation of their high-drive activity—to the recall command. Consequently, the dog associates “come here” with a positive outcome, ensuring they return with enthusiasm and motivation. This is especially useful when incorporating other commands, such as teaching how to teach a dog to sit stay and come.
The Ultimate Payoff: Freedom and Enjoyment
The “come here” command is more than just a trick; it’s a foundation for a rich and happy life with your dog. By implementing these training principles consistently from day one, you will unlock a world of freedom and enjoyment for both you and your canine companion. A reliable recall ensures your dog’s safety in various environments and strengthens the bond you share, allowing for off-leash adventures and confident interactions. Always reinforce the command positively and ensure your dog’s success in every training session. Mastering this command is a gift of freedom and peace of mind that will last a lifetime.
