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Dogs, like
humans, are highly social animals and this similarity in
their overall behavioral pattern accounts for their
trainability, playfulness, and ability to fit into human
households and social situations.
"For the safety
of your puppy...the "come" command is the most important
command to teach."
The goal in teaching the "Come" command is to have a well
disciplined dog that can always be brought to your side
regardless of the situation. This is as much for your dog's
safety and protection as it is for your convenience.
My method of teaching "come" to a puppy involves the use of
a collar and a long leash or check cord. However, your puppy
needs to become adjusted to the sensation of the collar and
the effect of the leash. Don't start training until this is
done. We prefer a leash or cord that is at least 15 ft.
long. Also, choose a training time when there are no
distractions.
Stand with the pup several feet from you and gently pull him
toward you with the cord. As he reaches you, give praise by
gently reaching down to pet him, rubbing him across the
shoulders a few times. It may also help to kneel down in a
crouched position to encourage the pup to come to you.
You don't need to say anything at all yet because saying
"come" will just be confusing to the pup at this point. In
all training, I believe that a dog should know and
understand the action demanded of a command before you ever
add human language to it. Dogs don't understand our words.
They can be taught to understand but it is not a natural or
instinctive process for them. Repeat the pulling-in and
praise a few more times. The first lesson should only be a
few minutes long; a pup's attention span is short and we
want the lessons to be a fun time between pup and owner.
After a few sessions, you will notice that the puppy comes
easier and easier until the slightest tug on the cord starts
the pup right toward you. This is exactly what we want.
Giving treats isn't necessary, but since this is such a
difficult command for some dogs to learn, it may assist in
training.
Once you are confident that the pup will start coming to you
with the slightest pull on the cord, say "come" at the same
instant you start to pull on the cord. Just say it once and
don't repeat yourself. Don't raise your voice. The pup will
soon associate the action of "come" with the verbal command.
Repeat this process until the cord, although still attached
to the collar, plays no part in bringing the puppy to you.
Rather, the pup comes on its own as a response to the verbal
command. At this point in the training, the cord can be
removed. Working in a controlled area, the command can be
given and the correct behavior rewarded with mild praise.
There will be instances when the pup challenges your
authority. Then it's time to go back to using the check cord
for a period of time to refresh and remind your pup.
Be careful how you use spoken commands around your pup. For
example, the pup probably won't even hear you as he runs
across the neighbor's yard, playing with another dog.
Screaming "come-come-come" at a time like this only tells a
pup that he can get away with disobeying your commands. Use
common sense when using the command and make sure the puppy
always obeys. Also be sure that all family members use the
same word for the same command. One person can't be saying
"here", another saying "come here Ralph," and yet another
"over here" and expect the puppy to understand and obey.
"Come" is the most important command you'll ever teach your
dog. It could save your dog's life. You and everyone around
you will appreciate a dog that is obedient and under
control.
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