Train Puppy to Come When Called – Training your puppy to come when called, also known as recall training, is a fundamental aspect of responsible dog ownership. It’s not just a handy trick; it’s a crucial skill that safeguards your puppy, strengthens your bond, and ensures a harmonious relationship built on trust and understanding. This invaluable skill can literally be a lifesaver, especially in unpredictable environments where a distracted puppy might dash into danger. Imagine the peace of mind that comes with knowing your furry companion will always return to your side when called, no matter the temptation of a tempting squirrel or the allure of a new scent. It’s a skill that develops over time with consistent effort and a tailored approach designed to suit your puppy’s personality and learning style. This article will guide you through the intricacies of training your puppy to come when called, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to create a powerful bond founded on clear communication and mutual respect.
The Importance of Recall Training
Recall training offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond basic obedience. It forms the bedrock of a strong and safe human-canine relationship, fostering a sense of security for both parties involved. When a puppy understands and adheres to the “come” command, it demonstrates a willingness to engage with you and respond to your guidance, solidifying the bond you share. This fundamental skill transcends simple obedience; it signifies a deeper understanding and respect that creates a harmonious partnership.
Train Puppy to Come When Called – Enhancing Safety and Security
The primary reason for training a puppy to come when called is to ensure their safety and security. A puppy’s natural curiosity can quickly lead them into potentially hazardous situations – a busy street, a body of water, or close encounters with other animals. When your puppy confidently responds to your call, you gain the ability to prevent potentially dangerous situations.
Imagine you’re at the park enjoying a leisurely afternoon, and your puppy, captivated by the rustling of leaves or the fluttering of a bird, suddenly takes off running. If they have been trained to respond to their name, you can confidently call them back. It’s like an invisible tether, reassuring you that your puppy is within control even in environments with multiple distractions.
In the event of a sudden emergency, such as a vehicle approaching or a potentially aggressive animal nearby, being able to retrieve your puppy quickly can be vital. Recall training gives you that crucial edge, empowering you to protect your puppy from harm and potentially save their life.
Train Puppy to Come When Called – Strengthening the Human-Canine Bond
Developing a strong bond with your puppy is a cornerstone of a healthy relationship. Train your puppy to come when called, and you create a powerful bond based on trust, communication, and mutual understanding. Each successful instance of recall strengthens the connection between you and your puppy.
When your puppy reliably responds to your call, they learn to associate your voice with positive experiences, such as being rewarded with treats, affection, or play. This positive association reinforces the idea that responding to your instructions leads to enjoyable outcomes. It’s akin to a language spoken between you and your puppy, where “come” is a word signifying connection, affection, and security.
Moreover, consistent recall training promotes a sense of cooperation and teamwork between you and your puppy. They learn that you are a source of security and guidance, and they develop a sense of trust, knowing you will be there to support and protect them. This mutual understanding ultimately forms a bond that is unbreakable, based on shared experiences and consistent positive interactions.
Train Puppy to Come When Called – Promoting Good Behavior and Trust
Training your puppy to come when called instills good behavior, and builds a strong foundation of trust. It signals to your puppy the boundaries of acceptable behavior within your family or social setting. It sets clear expectations for your puppy’s conduct – demonstrating that there are rules to be observed and that specific cues are expected of them.
For instance, if your puppy realizes that running off without permission is not permissible, they are more likely to develop a sense of control within their environment. It also eliminates uncertainties regarding acceptable behaviour. When you call your puppy and they consistently respond, they learn that your instructions are to be obeyed, fostering a sense of reliability and trustworthiness.
When your puppy begins to understand the boundaries of their environment, they develop trust in you as a guiding force. This trust is a building block for a relationship fortified by mutual respect. Your calm and consistent approach can instill confidence in your puppy that they can rely on your leadership. They’re more likely to remain calm and responsive in new and uncertain situations if they know they’re always returning to a safe haven alongside you.
Understanding Your Puppy’s Instincts
Puppies are naturally curious and explorative, possessing a strong drive to investigate their surroundings. Understanding the motivating factors behind their behavior can be helpful during training. Their natural curiosity, coupled with their powerful sense of smell and eyesight, can often lead them to disregard your commands if they are not sufficiently motivated to return to you. Recognizing these inherent tendencies can help you tailor your training approach for optimal success.
Natural Curiosity and Exploration
A puppy’s inherent drive to explore is a powerful natural instinct. It’s a fundamental aspect of their development, enabling them to learn about their surroundings and gather information about potential dangers or opportunities. However, this innate curiosity can pose a challenge when train your puppy to come when called. They might prioritize following a novel scent or chasing after a perceived threat over returning to you.
Puppies, particularly younger ones, have a remarkable capacity for wonder. This can manifest in a sudden inclination to investigate every blade of grass, chase butterflies, or sniff at intriguing objects. While this can be endearing, it can make training more complex. It’s helpful to acknowledge this natural curiosity and incorporate it into your training strategy, rather than trying to suppress it through harsh methods.
Puppies are essentially miniature explorers, eager to discover the world around them. They learn through active exploration, understanding and making sense of their environment. This drive comes from the urge to develop survival skills and create a mental map of their surroundings. Recognizing this natural behavior can help you design training strategies that cater to your puppy’s innate curiosity.
The Role of Scent and Sight in Distractions
Puppies have an incredibly keen sense of smell, significantly more potent than ours. They utilize their noses to gather information about their world, detecting scents that we might miss entirely. From food and other dogs to potential mates or prey, the olfactory world of a puppy is incredibly complex and engaging. This ability to detect and follow smells can be a strong motivator that is difficult to overcome during the early stages of recall training. Understanding this powerful drive can help you be more patient with your puppy’s initial responses.
Along with their powerful sense of smell, puppies also have a strong visual drive. Their eyes are continually moving, scanning their environment for movement and changes. The sight of a squirrel, a bird, or a moving object can trigger a response of pursuit or chase, overriding their focus on your call. Consider the visual landscape of your home or training area. Are there windows, birds, or other visual stimuli that might draw the puppy’s attention away from your command?
Visual distractions can be equally compelling for a puppy. Bright colors, flashing lights, or unexpected movements can momentarily capture their attention, making it challenging to focus on your call. Understanding how these senses influence a puppy’s behaviour can inform the way you structure training sessions. Start in a low-stimulation environment and slowly introduce more exciting visual elements once your puppy has grasped the basics of ‘come.’
Establishing a Controlled Environment
Creating a controlled environment is essential for the initial stages of training a puppy to come when called. This environment is a safe space where your puppy can focus on the task at hand without external distractions overriding their efforts. This provides a calm and structured setting where they are better able to process and understand the command. It’s crucial to start with a foundational understanding of the ‘come’ command in a low-pressure setting before venturing into more vibrant and engaging environments.
Selecting the Right Training Location
The location you choose to begin your puppy’s recall training journey plays a significant role in their understanding of the command. It’s best to start with a space that’s familiar, comfortable, and free from distractions. This could be your home, a fenced backyard, or a quiet, designated area of a park where they feel safe and at ease. The location should be large enough for your puppy to move around but small enough that they don’t wander too far before coming to understand the command.
The ideal training space is one where your puppy doesn’t have to factor in a multitude of unexpected experiences or sensations. Puppies learn best when they have the ability to focus on the task without too much stimulation. For instance, a bustling park or a street filled with noise and traffic are not conducive to foundational training, as other distractions could lead to confusion and frustration.
Think about it this way: if you’re trying to teach a child addition in a crowded stadium with loud music playing, the likelihood of the child focusing and grasping the concept is quite low. Similarly, select a tranquil place that allows your puppy to concentrate on the task at hand.
Minimizing External Distractions
Distractions can be a serious impediment to initial training. The idea is to avoid any external stimuli that could compete with your call. Your puppy needs to focus on understanding your command to respond consistently to your voice. In the initial stages, distractions can interfere with the learning process.
Ensure that there are no distracting objects or other people/animals in the immediate vicinity that could steal your puppy’s attention. Turn off the television, radio, and any other devices that might produce sounds or visual stimuli. It’s better to completely isolate your puppy from distractions at the very start of training.
If you are training outdoors, choose an area where the noise levels are low, and there are no other dogs or people roaming about. This allows your puppy to concentrate on you and the training exercise. Minimizing the number of competing sensations or distractions ensures your puppy can easily associate your call with positive feedback.
Using a Positive Tone when Calling
Your tone of voice is incredibly important when training your puppy to come when called. Puppies are highly attuned to the nuances of human vocalizations. Their ability to pick up on emotional cues can be crucial in understanding and responding to their training.
Use a warm and cheerful tone when calling your puppy’s name, followed by “come”. Your puppy is more likely to associate the words “come” with something positive and fulfilling. Imagine the difference between a stern, angry voice and a soft, affectionate one.
Conversely, avoid using a harsh, overly demanding, or even threatening tone when issuing your ‘come’ command. This will create negative associations and instill fear in your puppy. It could easily cause your puppy to view recall as an unpleasant or even potentially dangerous situation.
Think about fostering a playful and enthusiastic attitude when you invite your puppy to come. It’s that playful excitement we have when calling a loved one to join us! Your puppy will instinctively respond better to warmth and excitement versus a stern command. It is a natural instinct to respond to a loving, positive tone.
The Basics of Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a core aspect of pet training that focuses on praising and rewarding desired behaviours. It’s a training approach that strengthens the bond between you and your puppy while instilling obedience in a gentle and enjoyable manner. It creates a pleasurable learning experience for your puppy while fostering a strong cooperative relationship.
What is Positive Reinforcement?
Positive reinforcement refers to a technique where desirable behaviours are strengthened by delivering positive rewards or consequences immediately after the behavior has occurred. It’s a strategy that effectively builds positive associations in your puppy’s mind. It’s the foundation of building a powerful, and healthy relationship with your puppy.
For instance, when your puppy successfully responds to your ‘come’ command, immediately reward them with a treat, praise them with joyful words like ‘Good boy/girl!’, or engage in a quick play session. This creates a positive feedback loop associating ‘come’ with something pleasant.
The idea behind positive reinforcement is to make the desired behavior, in this case, responding to the “come” command, more likely to be repeated in the future. When your puppy knows that responding to your commands leads to enjoyable outcomes, they are more likely to repeat those actions in the future. Simply put, if something feels good, you’re more likely to want to do it again.
Types of Rewards: Treats, Affection, and Playtime
Positive reinforcement can be shaped with a variety of pleasurable rewards for your puppy. The best type of reward will vary depending on your individual dog’s personality and preference. Some puppies respond more readily to tasty treats, while others may prefer physical affection such as petting and scratching. Some might be more inclined to play exciting games.
Tasty treats are a classic form of reward when training puppies. They are particularly effective because they fulfill the puppy’s natural appetite. Your puppy will quickly learn to associate the “come” command with receiving a treat, leading to a heightened willingness to follow it.
Affection is another useful form of positive reinforcement. All puppies love attention and affection, so combine the ‘come’ command with a petting or scratching session. They associate this with the command, and it demonstrates that complying with the command leads to a welcome exchange of affection.
Playtime is a powerful motivator for many puppies. Utilizing a fun game with your puppy to reward ‘come’ can be incredibly effective. It can be rewarding and fun for both you and your puppy to engage in a lively play session as a reinforcement of complying with the ‘come’ command.
Timing is Key in Rewarding Responses
Timing is a crucial part of successfully using positive reinforcement. The positive reward must be delivered immediately after the desired behavior – right after your puppy arrives at your side when you call them. Any delay can lead to confusion in the puppy’s mind – they won’t understand why they are being rewarded.
A quick and upbeat “Good Boy!” followed instantly by a treat or a brief playtime is the most effective way to reinforce the behaviour in your puppy’s mind. Your puppy needs to immediately learn that the ‘come’ command is rewarding and fulfilling.
Don’t forget that consistency is crucial. It’s important to maintain the positive association between ‘come’ and a rewarding outcome. This will cement the learning process and reinforce the behaviour. Using any delay in administering rewards will diminish the positive association between the command and the positive outcome.
Initial Training Techniques
With the groundwork laid, you can now start to teach your puppy the “come” command within a controlled environment. Start slowly, focusing on a strong positive association between the words and the reward. This technique will help your puppy to quickly grasp the fundamental concept of the command.
Starting with Short Distances
The first step in teaching your puppy to come when called is to start with short distances. This gives them a chance to understand that the “come” command encourages them to move closer to you. Hold a treat near your waist and call your puppy’s name with a joyful tone of voice. Simultaneously, give the “come” command. This helps to build a visual and verbal association between the command and the reward.
As your puppy moves closer towards you, offer praise and the treat. It establishes an instant positive association between the command, the response, and the reward – a positive reinforcement loop. Initially, your puppy may only take a few steps toward you. Be patient and positive, providing a quick reward and praise for every small step forward.
As your puppy becomes confident with moving a few steps towards you, gradually increase the distance incrementally. In the early stages of training, focus on consistency and reward every instance of success, no matter how small. Your puppy is learning to associate the command with a positive consequence, therefore every positive response to your command should be rewarded.
Using Verbal Cues and Hand Signals
Combining verbal cues with hand signals can enhance your puppy’s understanding and ability to respond to your “come” command. Verbal cues provide a consistent sound to associate when you want your puppy to come to you. Using a hand signal supports the verbal command with a visual cue. It provides even more clarity for your puppy on what you wish them to do.
When issuing the “come” command, accompany it with a hand gesture such as lifting your hand with your palm facing upwards, or making a beckoning motion. This helps your puppy connect the verbal cue with the visual cue – and then with the reward which provides clarity and helps cement the association to what you are asking.
Using hand signals improves clarity, as it provides another clear message of what you are expecting in your puppy’s response to commands. Puppies rely heavily on visual cues, and hand signals can enhance the training process by making it easier to understand what you want them to do.
Building Consistency in Commands
Consistency is paramount when teaching your puppy any command, especially the “come” command. It creates a clear understanding of what is being asked. Always use the same verbal cue and hand signal to strengthen the association between what you are communicating and the response you want to see.
Consistency ensures that your puppy doesn’t become confused by varying commands or cues. It’s like learning a new language – to master the language, a person must know what words mean and how they should be used in different situations. It has the same principle when training your puppy.
If you use different commands or gestures for the same action, your puppy will be unsure of what you are expecting. They may confuse the command with another action, and you may have to restart. Using the same language in every training session will accelerate the training process.
Gradually Introducing Distractions
Once your puppy has mastered the “come” command in a low-distraction area, it’s time to start gradually introducing distractions. Introduce distractions slowly and gradually so your puppy can adapt to the change. This step helps prepare your pup for situations they might encounter in everyday life.
Transitioning from Indoor to Outdoor Settings
Once your puppy is very comfortable responding to the “come” command indoors in a controlled environment, it’s time to gradually bring them outdoors. This will start exposing them to more distractions. Start in a smaller, enclosed area like a fenced backyard or a quiet park. You want to be in control of the potential distractions they will be exposed to.
Introduce different sights, sounds, and smells slowly so your puppy can get used to them. If your puppy gets distracted, provide a positive reward and praise for them responding to the command and coming to you.
Ensure your puppy is always on a leash during training in outdoor settings to ensure they don’t encounter unforeseen distractions or run into dangerous situations. You want to make sure that the control in their response to commands is paramount and the only distraction in the session is a planned distraction.
Incorporating Friends and Family as Distractions
As your puppy progresses, you can begin incorporating friends and family into your training sessions. This helps mimic situations they might encounter in everyday life, socializing your puppy with various people within your network.
Have friends and family stand some distance from you when you give the “come” command. If your puppy is distracted by your friends and family, make sure you give a positive reward and praise for responding to your command. You want your puppy to still associate the “come” command to a positive response.
Having people around the training site adds a little more chaos and distractibility, so start with only a few persons in the location you’re training. It’s important to ensure your puppy remains engaged in the training process and responds to the ‘come’ command in a setting that is slowly transitioning from a controlled environment. It’s a good way to test their ability to respond to your commands in slightly chaotic settings.
Managing Increasing Levels of Sensory Input
As your puppy progresses, you can gradually increase the level of sensory input during their training sessions. This can take the form of introducing specific sights, sounds, and smells that might be typically distracting.
You might consider training sessions in a park with more people and dogs present, or perhaps a slightly busier location. Incorporate new sounds and smells into the environment to challenge them a bit. Introduce specific noises: clapping, loud music, etc. The goal is to progressively introduce challenging settings that ensure your puppy is prepared to respond in a variety of circumstances.
It’s important to start slow and add more complex distractions as they progress. Maintain a happy and optimistic approach to the training. With a positive attitude, the puppy will understand that responding to the ‘come’ command is positive and valuable.
Adapting Training to Different Environments
Once your puppy has grasped the fundamentals of ‘come’ in controlled situations, begin to integrate the command into real-world contexts. This adaptation ensures the command is practiced in a variety of scenarios, improving its effectiveness. It also increases the possibility of creating strong associations between the command and rewarding outcomes, extending beyond the controlled conditions of initial practice.
Training in the Park vs. the Backyard
Training in a park provides a different set of challenges and opportunities for your puppy compared to your backyard. The park presents a multitude of distracting stimuli, such as other dogs, people, and birds. This allows you to transition from a safe training ground to a scenario that includes much more sensory activity. Start with a quieter area of the park, where distractions are limited, and slowly transition your training to busier areas.
The backyard, on the other hand, often offers a more controlled and familiar environment, which can be helpful for initial training. It is a known and predictable space. However, the backyard can sometimes make it more difficult to implement distraction training as the puppy is already accustomed to this location. By practicing ‘come’ in the park, you can slowly extend your puppy’s understanding to environments that are much more chaotic and unpredictable.
Your goal is to train them in a variety of settings, so don’t be afraid to switch among your backyard, the park, or other locations you frequent. If successful, it will improve the chances of the puppy’s understanding and acceptance of the ‘come’ command in the most diverse of situations.
Teaching Recall During Walks or Outings
Teaching recall during walks or outings is essential to ensuring your puppy responds reliably to your calls in real-world contexts. It solidifies their understanding of ‘come’ in a setting that is outside the structured training location and enhances response skills and reinforces positive associations with the command.
When you take your puppy for a walk, let them explore and engage with their surroundings within reason and with their leash on. However, when you want them to come to you, use a happy and encouraging tone as you give the ‘come’ command.
During walks and outings, practice the ‘come’ command several times at different intervals. Reward your puppy with positive reinforcement when they arrive at your side. This helps create strong positive associations with ‘come’ in everyday life; it also reinforces the behaviour at different locations.
Addressing Common Challenges
While the recall training process is straightforward in theory, some puppies may exhibit resistant or difficult behavior. Some puppies may have a naturally fearful or hesitant approach to any type of training. It’s important to recognize that these behaviours are normal and should be addressed with patience and understanding.
Dealing with Fearful Reactions
Some puppies may react with fear or anxiety to training, especially when introduced to new environments or distractions. Fearful reactions are a natural response and demonstrate that you should be sensitive to your puppy’s needs.
If your puppy displays signs of fear during the ‘come’ training process – whimpering, hiding, or trying to retreat – avoid forcing them to comply. Instead, offer reassurance and gentle encouragement. This may include speaking softly to them or using a toy or a treat to draw them to you without forcing them to participate in the command.
Focus on building trust and confidence in the environment, and ease into the recall process slowly. It may be beneficial to have a calmer training session before trying the ‘come’ command again. Try to get them feeling safe and trusting in your intentions before you start the training process again.
Overcoming Stubbornness and Resistance
Some puppies may display stubbornness or resistance to the ‘come’ command due to natural curiosity or a history of negative experiences in the past. It’s important to remain patient and understanding, and provide encouragement and positive reinforcement.
When your puppy seems stubborn or resistant to following the command, try to break down the training process into smaller steps. Shorten the training times and use a reward they are highly motivated to receive.
Create incentives that your puppy finds more appealing. If a treat isn’t making them respond to the ‘come’ command, try something different. It’s important to find out what will reward the puppy. If your puppy is motivated by a specific toy, utilize that.
Strategies for Non-responsive Puppies
If your puppy seems persistently unresponsive to your ‘come’ command, it’s essential to re-evaluate your training approach. It’s critical to understand whether it’s a lack of motivation or a misunderstanding of the command. If your puppy doesn’t understand the ‘come’ command, you may need to take a step back and start the process over.
Consider consulting with a certified professional dog trainer for an unbiased perspective on your puppy’s training progress. In some cases, a qualified dog trainer can provide invaluable guidance or techniques that can help address the underlying issue related to the lack of response to the command.
If the problem persists, it may also be beneficial to consider if there are underlying health conditions or emotional reasons for the puppy’s refusal to come. Some conditions, like deafness or anxiety, can affect your puppy’s perception of the ‘come’ command.
Expanding on the “Come” Command
Once your puppy has a solid understanding of the “come” command, you can start to expand on their training. This includes introducing additional commands and combining them with the ‘come’ command to create more complex and fulfilling training sessions. This section describes the importance of continuous learning and the development of skills.
Introducing Additional Commands
Once your puppy has effectively mastered the ‘come’ command, and you can begin expanding on their training by including other commands like “sit,” “stay,” or “leave it”. These commands help strengthen the overall obedience and control your puppy has within their training.
While training your puppy with the ‘come’ command, weave in other commands at various intervals. For instance, when your puppy comes to you, have them sit or stay or ‘leave it’ before providing positive reinforcement. This helps your puppy to connect these behaviours with positive responses.
Expanding your puppy’s training vocabulary can build a stronger bond with your puppy. It also strengthens their understanding of your communication.
Combining Commands for Enhanced Training Sessions
You can further enhance your training sessions by combining commands for more complex training scenarios. For instance, during a walk, you can ask your puppy to come and then stay at your side, or ask them to come and then sit. This practice helps your pup process multiple instructions in a sequential order.
Use ‘come’ in several locations and settings. This helps your pup to understand that ‘come’ is always an important and valuable request. Combining commands will help establish a comprehensive understanding of your instructions in your puppy’s mind, helping them to respond appropriately in multiple scenarios and situations.
It’s critical to start with the most basic commands and slowly introduce more complex commands in the training sessions. This will help your puppy to develop their understanding in a systematic manner and prevent confusion related to new skill-sets.
The Broader Implications of Successful Recall
Successful recall training goes beyond simple obedience. It reflects a responsible approach to pet ownership. It’s a fundamental aspect of creating a positive relationship with your puppy, developing a strong bond built on trust and understanding. It leads to greater freedom for both you and your puppy, opening new opportunities for shared activities.
A Reflection of Responsible Dog Ownership
The ability to train your puppy to reliably respond to ‘come’ is a clear sign of responsible dog ownership. Recall training embodies responsible ownership as it addresses the essential needs of your puppy, including safety, security, and mental enrichment.
It shows that you take the time and responsibility for ensuring your dog is well-behaved and safe in diverse locations where you take them. This demonstration of responsibility can benefit both you and your puppy. It instills discipline and consistency within the training process and helps to ensure that your puppy is trained and aware of their boundaries within your community.
Building Mutual Respect and Freedom
Training your puppy to come when called encourages mutual respect and understanding within your relationship. It highlights the value of good communication and your consistent leadership in the relationship.
When your puppy trusts and respects your instructions they develop a strong sense of self-efficacy and independence. They will respect your ability to guide them through different circumstances, and you can gain a greater degree of trust and confidence in your ability to guide your puppy through different environments and situations.
When you train your puppy to come when called, you create a sense of freedom for both of you. Your puppy is more likely to be given the opportunity to explore and exercise within a safe setting. You too can gain a greater sense of freedom, knowing you have the ability to easily retrieve your dog from any location.
Enjoying Shared Activities Safely
One of the most enriching aspects of having a puppy is being able to enjoy shared activities. Whether it’s a leisurely walk in the park, a hike in the mountains, or a day at the beach, training your puppy to come when called allows you to enjoy these experiences with greater safety and confidence.
The ‘come’ command provides a level of safety for both you and your puppy. You can confidently engage in many activities without worry that they will run away or approach danger. It also helps your puppy to experience a variety of enriched and stimulating experiences outdoors.
Successful recall training can also contribute to increased social interactions. Your puppy is more likely to interact with other dogs or people in a safe and controlled environment if they have a strong understanding of the ‘come’ command.
Tips for Maintaining Progress
Having effectively trained your puppy to respond to the ‘come’ command, it’s important to maintain the desired level of response through continued training and engagement. Here are several tips that can help you to maintain the progress you’ve made with your puppy.
Regularly Scheduled Training Sessions
Regularly scheduled training sessions are essential to reinforce your puppy’s understanding of the command and maintain a high rate of response. Schedule training sessions at least a few times every week to help solidify and refine the command.
These sessions shouldn’t be long or overly challenging. Short, frequent sessions are ideal because they can help to reinforce the behaviour with consistent positive outcomes. They should be stimulating and rewarding for your puppy to encourage them to participate with excitement and joy.
Maintaining a consistent training schedule helps ensure your puppy remembers and responds to the commands promptly. It makes ‘come’ a part of their daily routine and contributes to making it a second-nature response to your command.
Keeping Training Sessions Fun and Engaging
Training is learning, and learning can feel challenging for some individuals. In the case of your puppy, it’s your job to ensure that learning is fun and stimulating.
Include games and interactive activities into your training sessions to reinforce your interaction and help them to associate the command with playful behaviours. Use rewarding activities that keep your pup’s attention and motivation high.
It’s also important to vary the environment in which you practice the ‘come’ command. This can help to expand your puppy’s understanding and create positive response behaviours in diverse situations.
Monitoring Your Puppy’s Behavioral Changes
Monitor your puppy’s behaviour and body language during each training session. Note any changes in their responses to your commands and be prepared to make changes to your training approach to accommodate these changes.
If your puppy becomes resistant or less responsive, evaluate your approach. It’s possible that it needs adjusting. Changes in behaviour might be a warning sign that you need to make alterations to the training approach.
It’s important to be patient and understanding with your puppy. Their learning is a gradual process, and consistent progress can take time and effort to achieve.
What to Do if Progress Stalls
Sometimes your puppy’s training progression may hit a plateau, and you might find that the progress you had before has stalled. In this situation, do not get disheartened and keep training in a positive and consistent manner.
Evaluating Your Training Approach
If your puppy’s progress stalls, it’s useful to evaluate your approach to ensure that you are using a training method that is appropriate for your puppy’s personality and development stage.
Consider the type of reward you are using. It might be beneficial to change the type of reward for a short period and see if that prompts a shift in your puppy’s engagement with the command.
Consider if you are incorporating enough variety into your sessions. If the training feels monotonous to your puppy because they’re doing the same routine in the same location, it can lead to a loss of motivation to ‘come’ to you.
Considering Professional Assistance
If you’ve tried different approaches and you’re still struggling to achieve progress, consider consulting a certified professional dog trainer. They offer an unbiased opinion and perspective on your training process and your puppy’s specific needs and challenges.
A professional dog trainer will typically assess both you and your puppy to evaluate the process and make more appropriate recommendations. The trainer might be able to provide expert insights and guidance as to why your training progress has stalled.
Revisiting Basic Principles
If the training stalls, it may be beneficial to revisit the basics of your training. Make sure you are using a consistent command and reinforcing the desired behaviour by providing a positive reward immediately after your pup complies with the command.
Your goal is to maintain regular training routines, stay positive in your interactions with the puppy, and monitor the behavioural changes to make adjustments based on observation. It should also ensure that the training sessions are positive and rewarding outcomes for your puppy.
Conclusion
Train your puppy to come when called and you instill a sense of safety, security, and trust in your relationship. Recall training is a fundamental aspect of responsible dog ownership that empowers you to enjoy a rewarding relationship with your best friend. The journey of teaching the ‘come’ command is one filled with patience, consistency, and love. By understanding your puppy’s natural instincts and utilizing positive reinforcement techniques, you can build a strong bond based on mutual respect and trust. The ability to call your puppy to your side, and have them respond wholeheartedly, is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and the power of positive reinforcement. It’s a skill that benefits both you and your puppy throughout their lives. It provides the foundation for a lifetime of shared experiences, strengthened by consistent instruction, a positive approach to training, and plenty of love.
I hope this is helpful, please let me know if you have any questions!