To Come When Called

The first command to teach your dog is to come to you when called, but this is after the ‘big 3:’ HEALTH, KINDNESS & BASIC TRAINING. Please focus on potty training, which is fairly easy using the right puppy pads.

Rewards are vital in training, as well as small treats that your dog can eat quickly (I break up dog biscuits). When I worked with my dog, Yogi, I bought T-bone dog biscuits, and broke each one into 3 parts (the T). That worked great. There are now many treats on the market, and luckily Lennie likes the less expensive ones best. Also, don’t forget to praise, pet and reward profusely.

To come when called. You will need a collar and a long rope (maybe 15 feet or more). Attach the rope to the dog collar and sit and wait for your dog to wander away. When that happens, say his name, and “come here” (“Lennie, come here”), while gently pulling the leash or rope. Continue saying the same things, the same way, while pulling and when he completes his trip to you, reward him with the treat and praise him lavishly. REMEMBER: REPETITION IS PARAMOUNT. The hand signal is your palm turned up, making the gesture to come while saying “(dog name), come here.” You will repeat this many times daily until your dog begins to respond without pulling him. Remember to never punish your dog and never abuse him. Always reward. Punishment and/or no reward will make him not want to come to you.

Daily practice: always call your dog the same way; I say, “come here, Lennie” and he does it. This is a basic command. Lennie comes unless he hears the water running for a bath, and like most dogs, Lennie dislikes baths. I do not expect him to come to me when there is something like a bath waiting for him, so do not expect your dog to come to you if the dog is fearful or upset. Most of the time, however, your dog will come to you. Use a very positive tone of voice, always the same words and the same hand signal.