Teaching Your Dog to Come When Called

:Four basic guidelines: Good dog, come

"Come!" Teaching your dog to come when called is a safety concern and an important factor in a healthy relationship, between you and your pet. 

How you teach him depends on the kind of dog he is and why you want him to come to you. Dogs are extremely intelligent and sensitive to you, your actions and your words. Because your dog needs to understand why he is to come when you call him, be consistent with what you teach him. Always be sensitive to his response.

Consider the following, four commands with respect to teaching your dog to come when called.

The welcoming invitation

Dogs respond instinctively, to a welcoming invitation from an owner. If your dog knows he can expect a reward, treat, kind word, hug, pat on the head, or affection from you, he will respond by coming, immediately. Dogs love attention. 

Immediate rewards will make him feel secure, reinforce the invitation and help him understand why you called him. Show him that you love him each time he responds appropriately. Never reward inappropriate responses. Avoid punishment.

The verbal command

An abrupt order or command may generate a different response from your dog. If he senses your anger, frustration, stress or fear, it may frighten him. If he knows that he is going to be punished, shamed or is embarrassed, he may ignore your verbal command. Shaming a dog may cause him to refuse to come to you, even for rewards. Your tone of your voice is important.

The non-verbal call

Teach your dog to come to you by recognizing a hand motion or the beckoning of your arm. Dogs can respond to non-verbal commands, like a movement of your head or an unspoken command. Showing your dog his leash or pointing to the door, can teach him to come for a walk. 

Handing him a ball or tossing a stick for him to fetch, may teach him that you want to play. Remember that dogs do not want to play or do tricks, all of the time. He will sense it, if you ignore him and push him away, when he does come to you.

A call for help

A person's cry for help invariably attracts the attention of any dog, in the vicinity. Many dogs will instinctively know how to help you or how to go and get help for you. Teach your dog how to go and find someone when you need help.

"Good dog, come," works wonders.