More examples of how to use helpers to train your dog to come when called. Baby steps!

An introduction to training your dog to come when called. Useful if he steals things and runs around the house, or to get him to come at the dog park. 

You are helpless as you watch your 2-year-old dog repeatedly steal a tennis ball from a Labrador Retriever and his person while they are trying to enjoy a nice day at the park.

You apologize, go through the social gestures of telling your dog that he is “being bad” and you sheepishly walk him to the other side of the park, only to see him race after the ball and do it again. You leave well before you planned on leaving, but you don’t want to face the wrath of the seemingly nice person, and would not blame him if he blew up after the tenth time of your dog’s thievery.

There are many strategies to work on teaching your dog to come to you faster when called. One of my favorites is to work on a distance “stay”, and then ask the dog to “come”.

What happens very consistently is that dogs will pay attention as the trainer is walking backwards in anticipation of being released. Also, often dogs want to follow but are told they have to stay instead. “You want to come after me? Sorry you have to stay!” Think of it as reverse psychology.

Come when called, or recall, is one of the more important behaviors that you can teach your dog. It can also be frustrating to teach if you don’t know some simple rules. Sometimes people get frustrated because their dog “just isn’t getting it” as quickly as they would like. I don’t put a timeframe on training.

"Come on guys let's go for a walk."

Blank stares . . .

"Ranger, Trooper, Linus, Come."

Three furry friends come running.

I realized that I never taught my dogs what "Come on guys let's go for a walk" meant. That was many years ago, and since then I have taught them that, but it reminded me of the importance of consistent teaching and that . . . dogs don't understand synonyms!