Teaching your dog to come when called is one of the most important skills for a dog to learn, and one that can help keep them safe and obedient. It’s also a great way to bond with your pup and build their trust in you. So, if you’re wondering how to teach your dog to come when called, here are some tips to get you started.
Start With Training Treats
Treats are a great motivator when it comes to training your pup, and can help them learn quickly. Start by giving your dog a treat every time they come to you when called, so that they associate coming to you with a reward. The type of treat doesn’t matter, as long as it’s something your dog loves.
Practice In A Distraction-Free Environment
Start practicing in a quiet area with no distractions, as this will help your pup focus on the task at hand. Once they’ve got the basics down, slowly introduce distractions to the environment and reward them for responding to your call.
Set Up A Recall Word
Having a single, consistent recall word is important for teaching your pup to come when called. Choose a word that is easy to say and has no other meaning to your pup, so that they know exactly what it means when you call them. PeppiesPetWorld has some great ideas for recall words, like “here” or “come”.
Be Patient
Learning new skills takes time, so don’t get frustrated if your pup isn’t getting it right away. Be patient and consistent with your training and reward them for every success, no matter how small.
Practice Recall With A Long Lead
Using a long lead is a great way to practice recall in an open space, where there are more distractions. Start by walking with your pup on the lead, and when you say the recall word, give them a treat and praise them for coming.
Train In Short Sessions
Short training sessions are more effective than long ones, as it helps your pup stay focused and engaged. Aim for two to three short sessions each day, and always end on a positive note.
Make Coming To You Fun
A good way to make coming to you more enjoyable for your pup is to add a game to the training. Once they have the basics down, try calling your pup and then hiding a treat or toy for them to find when they come to you.
Be Consistent
Consistency is key when it comes to teaching your pup any skill. Make sure you call your pup with the same recall word every time, and use the same reward system.
Practice In Different Locations
Once your pup has mastered the recall word in the house, start practicing in new places. Take them to the park, the beach, or the woods and practice the recall in different environments.
Reward Every Time
Always reward your pup every time they come to you when called, as this will reinforce the behavior and make it more likely that they will come when called in the future.
Teaching your pup to come when called is an important skill, and one that will make you both happier and safer. With some patience, consistency, and the right rewards, your pup will be coming to you in no time. For more tips and tricks on training your pup, visit PeppiesPetWorld.