Teaching your dog how to come when called is one of the most rewarding dog training secrets you can teach them. A dependable come when called, or return as called, is perhaps the most crucial thing you must train your dog properly to do. This particular behavior will keep your dog safe on his leash and, at the very least, let you give your dog more independence during their day. While a dog come when called is not a substitute for keeping him on a leash in a fenced in yard, it’s a basic training skill that can save your dog’s life if they get too close to a busy street or another dog on a walk. It will also teach your dog the benefit of mutual protection, should your dog ever be involved in an accident with another dog.
Many people don’t realize how much power a well-trained dog has when on his leash. They think that just by patting the dog and praising him while you lead him around the neighborhood is enough to teach him to behave properly. This is completely untrue. When you teach your dog how to come when you call, you teach him that he only gets a treat or attention when he responds as you request, and nothing else.
In dog training, using high-value treats and positive reinforcement to teach a dog how to come when called is standard practice. This works so well because dogs love to please their owners and receiving food, praise, and attention is their ultimate reward. However, the best way to teach this to your dog is through positive reinforcement. Using treats and other incentives to teach him the behavior you want him to perform is not only more fun, but it’s easier to teach.
To begin, always have your dog on a leash, and call him over to your side. Be prepared to show him that you mean business, and that his presence is required. If he’s calm when you bring him over and doesn’t jump on you when you say, “Sit,” then he is ready to learn how to come when called. If he lunges at you or jumps on you when you call, ignore him, and return to your treat.
Most dogs are taught to come by being taught a reliable recall. The reliable recall is an instruction such as, “Stay on my poop!” The second command you teach your dog is, “Recall!” The idea behind both of these commands is to teach him a behavior that gets him rewarded when repeated. Once he is able to consistently practice the “stay” command, you can begin teaching him the next reliable recall, which is to “Go to the sit.”
To teach your dog the stay and the go, start off by sitting opposite him. Have your dog on a short leash and make sure he stays in one spot. In this case, your dog should remain sitting until you give the go signal. As soon as you release your hold of him, he must sit and wait for you to cue him again.
For this next part of how to teach your dog to come, it’s important to be consistent. Stand near the door, with your dog on a short lead, and make sure that he does not get out of line. Continue this pattern until he becomes aware that he is supposed to stay within the lines. As soon as he begins to stray, immediately bring him back into line. Praise him enthusiastically and make sure that other people in the home are aware of the training. It may be helpful to have a treat in your hand, such as a hard-boiled egg or a slice of tasty hot dog, as you will want to use this as a reward for your dog when he responds well.
Use the treats you are using to lure him back into the center of the leash. If you have a treat in your hand, then you can tap your tongue on it, making loud noises that will attract his attention. The next step is to have him sit. When he does, give him the treat and immediately call him back over to you. Repeat this process as many times as you need to until he becomes accustomed to being called promptly when he gets out of line.