A reliable “come here” command, often referred to as recall, is one of the most vital behaviors you can teach your dog. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about safety, freedom, and strengthening the bond between you and your canine companion. As an experienced dog trainer, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact this simple command can have on a dog’s life, and its owner’s peace of mind.
I recall a time in my yard with a new puppy, not yet formally trained. We were playing, and the pup was joyfully running around me. Instead of using a command it didn’t know, I got down on my knees, food in hand, and patiently lured the puppy to me. It took time, but when it finally came, I immediately rewarded it. My wife, observing this, playfully questioned my dog training skills, noting the pup’s initial lack of immediate response. My explanation was simple: if a dog doesn’t know a command, or isn’t likely to listen, it’s better not to use it at all. This foundational principle is key to successful training, including how to teach your dog off-leash walking.
The Hidden Danger of Repeatedly Calling an Unresponsive Dog
It’s a common scenario: owners repeatedly call their dog, but the dog ignores them. Yet, they continue to call. This practice is counterproductive, as it teaches the dog that the “come here” command is optional. The dog learns that it doesn’t always have to listen, which severely undermines the command’s effectiveness.
The “come here” command is paramount in dog education and training. A dog that consistently responds to this command gains immense freedom. Imagine letting your dog run freely in the woods or play with other dogs, confident that they will always return when called. This freedom is invaluable for a dog’s well-being. Conversely, dogs that don’t reliably recall often remain on a leash, limiting their opportunities for exploration and play, and potentially leading to other behavioral issues like the need to prevent unwanted jumping. Teaching this command effectively is crucial for both the dog’s happiness and the owner’s control.
Laying the Foundation: Ensuring Success with the “Come Here” Command
When integrating a new puppy or dog into our home, we begin teaching the “come here” exercise from day one. Two critical principles guide this initial training:
- Only use the command when you are sure the dog will listen. This means ensuring the dog has sufficient motivation (like a favorite treat or toy) to come to you and is not overly distracted by other temptations in the environment. Setting up for success, even in simple tasks, is as vital as effective methods for manage leash pulling.
- If you are unsure whether the dog will listen, maintain control of the situation. A retractable leash is an excellent tool for this, allowing you to give the command while still having the ability to gently guide your dog to you if they hesitate. This ensures that every time you use the command, your dog ultimately complies, reinforcing the desired behavior.
By consistently applying these two rules from the very beginning, you establish a strong foundation for a dog that will always reliably respond to the “come here” command.
A dog owner using a retractable leash to maintain control over their dog during training.
Making Recall Positive: Varied Practice and Rewards
A common training error is that owners only call their dog when they need to put them on a leash, such as when other dogs approach or when there’s a distraction. When the “come here” command is consistently associated with the end of fun or being restrained, the dog learns to view it negatively. They might even start looking around for potential “threats” (like other dogs or distractions) every time they hear the command, rather than coming directly to their owner.
To counteract this, we always advise clients to frequently call their dog “for nothing” during walks. As soon as your dog comes to you, reward them with a high-value treat, offer some praise, and then immediately release them back to play. This strategy creates a highly positive association with the “come here” command. The dog learns: “I hear my name and the command, I go to my owner, get a great reward, and then I can go back to having fun.” This motivation is incredibly powerful and will make your dog eager to respond. This positive reinforcement approach is also critical in other training areas, such as achieving successful puppy pad training.
Advanced Applications: The “Come Here” Command in Working Dog Training
This positive reinforcement method isn’t just for pet dogs; it’s universally effective, even in high-stakes working dog training. I apply this exact approach when training for demanding exercises in programs like KNPV (Royal Dutch Police Dog Association), which involve intense biting exercises where dogs are highly motivated to engage a decoy.
One specific KNPV exercise requires the dog to stop chasing the decoy and return to the handler upon hearing the “come here” command, even at the peak of their drive. When I first teach this, once the dog listens and turns around, I often allow them to return to the decoy and bite again as their reward. By linking a positive outcome (the opportunity to bite again) to the recall command, the dog learns to associate “come here” with something highly desirable, ensuring they respond with immense motivation, even in high-arousal situations. This strategic reinforcement helps to prevent issues like addressing crate escapes by building a strong foundation of obedience and trust.
Conclusion
The “come here” command is undeniably one of the most critical commands you can teach your dog. By implementing these strategies consistently from day one – ensuring success in every training interaction, maintaining control when needed, and always making recall a highly positive experience – you will lay the groundwork for a dog that not only listens but enthusiastically responds. This mastery of recall will grant both you and your dog a lifetime of freedom, safety, and immense pleasure in your shared adventures. Invest the time and effort into mastering this command; it’s an investment that truly pays off, enhancing the overall quality of your dog’s life and your bond together.
