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How to Get a Dog to Come to You
Training a dog to come to you when called is one of the most important commands you can teach your pup. It can help keep your pet safe and even save their life in an emergency. Knowing how to get your dog to come to you reliably can also help to build a strong bond between you and your pup. This article will explain the steps to take to get your dog to come to you when called.
Understand Your Dog
Before teaching your dog to come to you, it’s important to understand your pup’s personality and behaviour. Some dogs are naturally more independent, while others are more eager to please. Knowing your dog’s strengths and weaknesses can help you to create a training plan that works for them.
It’s also important to know what motivates your dog. Do they respond better to treats or verbal praise? Understanding what motivates your pup can help you to reward them effectively and make the training process more enjoyable.
Start with a Simple Command
Start by teaching your dog a simple command, such as ‘come’. Use a verbal cue and a physical cue, such as a hand gesture, to reinforce the command. Make sure to reward your pup when they come to you, either with a treat or verbal praise.
It’s important to start small and only move on to more complex commands once your pup has mastered the basic command. This will help to ensure that your pup is comfortable and confident with the command before moving on to more complex tasks.
Practice in a Controlled Environment
Once your pup has mastered the basic command, it’s time to start practicing in a controlled environment. Pick a quiet room in your home and practice the command with your pup.
Make sure to reward your pup when they come to you and keep the sessions short and fun. As your pup gets more comfortable with the command, you can start to add distractions, such as other people or animals, to further reinforce the command.
Gradually Increase the Distance
Once your pup is comfortable with the command in a controlled environment, it’s time to start increasing the distance. Start by calling your pup from a few feet away and gradually increase the distance. Make sure to reward your pup when they come to you and keep the sessions short and fun.
It’s important to be patient and consistent with your pup. If your pup is struggling with the command, take a step back and start with a shorter distance.
Practice in Different Environments
Once your pup is comfortable with the command in a controlled environment, it’s time to take it outside. Start by practicing in a familiar environment and gradually increase the distance.
Make sure to reward your pup when they come to you and keep the sessions short and fun. It’s also important to practice in a variety of different environments, such as parks, beaches, and dog-friendly stores. This will help your pup to become comfortable with the command in any situation.
Be Consistent and Patient
Training your pup to come to you when called can take some time and patience. It’s important to be consistent and patient with your pup and reward them when they come to you.
It’s also important to remember that every pup is different and it may take some time for your pup to get comfortable with the command. Don’t get discouraged if your pup isn’t responding right away and keep practicing until they get it right.
Conclusion
Teaching your pup to come to you when called is an important command that can help keep your pet safe and even save their life in an emergency. Knowing how to get your dog to come to you reliably can also help to build a strong bond between you and your pup. This article has explained the steps to take to get your dog to come to you when called. Understand your pup’s personality and behaviour, start with a simple command, practice in a controlled environment, gradually increase the distance, and practice in different environments. Be consistent and patient with your pup and reward them when they come to you. With patience and practice, you can get your pup to come to you when called.
