Teaching your puppy to come when called is one of the most crucial commands you can instill, ensuring their safety and strengthening your bond. It’s more than just a trick; it’s a foundational skill that allows for off-leash freedom and peace of mind. A reliable recall can prevent dangerous situations and is a vital part of responsible pet ownership, and it’s not as difficult as you might think. Let’s dive into how you can successfully Train Your Puppy To Come When Called using positive reinforcement and patience.
Why is “Come” So Important for Your Puppy?
A solid recall command, or teaching your dog to come when you call them, is perhaps the most important command you can teach your puppy. It’s not just about showing off; it’s about safety. Imagine your puppy darting into the street or running away in the park – a reliable “come” command could be a lifesaver. It provides security and control, allowing you to enjoy walks and off-leash time worry-free. This skill also fosters a stronger connection between you and your puppy, because it demonstrates trust and mutual respect, thus, this is a pivotal step in any puppy’s training journey. This command forms a cornerstone of your pup’s training, and it will help you in a multitude of situations throughout their life.
The Importance of a Strong Recall
- Safety First: Prevents your puppy from running into danger.
- Freedom: Allows for safe off-leash activities.
- Control: Gives you control in various situations.
- Bonding: Strengthens the relationship between you and your puppy.
- Peace of Mind: Enables you to relax knowing your dog is responsive.
Starting Early: When to Begin Recall Training
The earlier you start teaching your dog to come when you call, the better, but it’s never too late. You can start this as soon as your puppy is settled in at home, usually around 8-10 weeks old. Begin in a quiet, distraction-free environment like your living room. This helps ensure your puppy focuses on you and the new command. Starting young allows them to quickly grasp the association between the command and the desired action. Consistency and patience are key at this stage.
The Basics of Teaching “Come”
Teaching your dog to come when you call them involves a combination of positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Choose Your Cue
Select a cue word. “Come” is a common and effective choice. Keep it simple, short, and consistent. Avoid changing your cue word once you’ve started. It’s important that everyone in your household uses the same command, so your puppy doesn’t get confused. You can also add a gesture like crouching down or opening your arms wide.
Step 2: Use High-Value Rewards
Use high-value rewards such as yummy treats or a favorite toy when they come to you. This helps them associate coming to you with positive experiences. Make the reward a big deal – lots of praise, petting, and excitement. The goal is to get your puppy excited about coming to you.
Step 3: Start in a Controlled Environment
Start in a calm, indoor setting. Get your puppy’s attention, say “come” enthusiastically, and take a few steps back. The moment they start to move towards you, reward them with praise and a treat. Practice this multiple times, keeping the training sessions short and fun. It is vital they are not overwhelmed or bored during these sessions.
Step 4: Increase Distance and Distractions
Once your puppy responds reliably indoors, gradually introduce distractions. Move to a different room or start your recall training in your backyard. Gradually increase the distance between you and your puppy. Make the training environment more challenging by adding toys or allowing another family member to be nearby.
Step 5: Practice Makes Perfect
Practice the come command regularly, ideally several times a day for a few minutes. Make it part of your daily routine. Keep it fun and engaging, and be patient. Every puppy learns at their own pace.
Troubleshooting Common Recall Issues
Even with the best training, you might encounter some issues. Here’s how to address some common problems:
Ignoring the Command
If your puppy is ignoring the command, it could mean that you haven’t made the recall enticing enough. Make sure your rewards are high value and try adding more enthusiasm to your voice and movements. Also, make sure your pup is not distracted. It is important that you only use the “come” command when you think your puppy will obey, this ensures that the command remains consistent and effective.
Only Coming Sometimes
This is often due to inconsistency in training. Ensure everyone is using the same cue word and following the same training plan. You also want to avoid calling your puppy when you’re not going to be fun and rewarding, such as when you need to put them in their crate. Try using a long training lead to make sure your puppy has to listen to your command, but make sure you don’t pull them – just make sure they have no choice but to come to you.
The “Chase” Game
If your puppy turns the “come” into a game of chase, stop chasing. It’s more effective to get down to their level and enthusiastically call them to you. You can try running away from them. It makes them want to chase you and come back to you. This takes practice and patience.
“Patience is paramount when teaching a puppy. Remember, learning takes time, and each dog is different. Never punish your dog for not coming, but focus on making coming back to you a positive experience.” – Dr. Emily Carter, Canine Behavior Specialist.
Advanced Recall Training
Once your puppy consistently comes when called in various environments, you can add additional levels to this command.
Recall from Play
Practice recalling your puppy when they’re engaged in play. This adds a challenge and ensures your pup responds even when having fun. It’s more difficult to get their attention when they are distracted, but this is also vital in helping them be obedient.
Recall from a Distance
Gradually increase the distance you are from your puppy when you call them. Start with a short distance and gradually increase to longer ones. This ensures they respond even when you are not close.
Recall When Distracted
Practice recalling your puppy when they are distracted by other dogs, people, or interesting smells. Use a long leash to help enforce the command in the beginning.
The Emergency Recall
This is a more powerful recall cue that is used in emergency situations. Choose a specific cue word, such as ‘Now!’ and make it even more rewarding than your normal “come” command. Use this sparingly and only in emergencies.
Using Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is the most effective method for training your dog. It focuses on rewarding good behaviors rather than punishing unwanted ones. Here are some ways to use positive reinforcement:
High-Value Treats
Use treats that your puppy loves. These could be small pieces of cooked chicken, cheese, or dog-specific treats.
Praise and Affection
Use lots of praise, enthusiastic words, and petting to reward your puppy when they come to you.
Toys
If your puppy is toy-motivated, use their favorite toy as a reward. This could be a ball, a tug toy, or a squeaky toy.
“Consistency is the most important factor in training a reliable recall. Use your cue word, reward your puppy, and practice often. Don’t give up!” – Dr. Ben Williams, Professional Dog Trainer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my puppy gets distracted while coming to me?
If your puppy gets distracted, gently redirect their attention back to you using a fun, enthusiastic tone of voice and a reward. Try to use this command in a quiet environment with limited distractions.
My puppy only comes when I have a treat, how do I stop this?
Gradually decrease the frequency of treats. Start by rewarding every time, then every other time, then every third time. Always maintain your praise and affection.
What if my puppy only comes when I crouch down?
Gradually reduce the need to crouch down, by standing more upright as your dog improves. Encourage eye contact and verbal commands to replace body language.
How do I practice recall in a busy environment?
Start by practicing in a less busy area, and gradually increase the level of distractions. Use a long leash to maintain control.
How long will it take for my puppy to learn the “come” command?
The time it takes will vary based on the puppy’s age, personality, and the consistency of your training. With consistent effort, most puppies will start responding reliably within a few weeks.
My puppy is an adult, is it too late to teach them “come”?
It is never too late to teach your dog “come.” It might take a little longer to teach an adult dog, but with consistency and positive reinforcement, it can be achieved.
Additional Training Resources
For more information on command training, you may find 5 commands to teach your dog a great resource. You might also find good commands to teach your dog useful, and learn more about advanced recall techniques with teach dog to come when you call
Conclusion
Training your puppy to come when called is a vital investment in their safety and well-being. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can establish a reliable recall. Remember, a strong recall command is not only about obedience but also about creating a stronger bond between you and your puppy. So start early, practice often, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-trained puppy who always comes when called. To better understand the tools you can use in training you could look at articles such as dog whistle to get dog to come. Don’t forget that early training has other benefits, find out more about them with the article on the best tricks to teach a puppy.
Dog Care Story is your trusted resource for all things dog-related, providing you with expert advice and helpful information. At Dog Care Story, we understand the joy and challenges of dog ownership, and we’re dedicated to supporting you and your furry friend on your journey together. If you need any help with training or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact us via Email: suport@DogCareStory.com for expert help and guidance.