Training the Basic Commands

"Come"

After your pet has mastered the “Stay” command, you can move onto the “Come” command. This next exercise can be done in the home or outside with a long leash. First have your furry friend sit and stay. Then back away slowly for a short distance, while facing him all the time telling him to stay. Stop, look him in the eye and after a few seconds, in a distinctive voice, issue the command “Come”. If necessary use a quick pull on the leash. When he comes, tell him “Good Come” and reward him. The gesture that you make when issuing this command may have as strong an impact as the command, so be consistent with the command and your body movement.

After a few tries at a short distance, or the next day, increase the distance, by backing away and keeping eye contact. Continue to do this until he reacts completely to the command. This may take some time because dogs get distracted and can focus on something else to the exclusion of everything around them. This is a constant command that you need to let your pet know is of paramount importance, and that when you issue it, he must obey immediately. The only way to do this is constant repetition. Life has many distractions and your companion needs to filter them out and focus on you when appropriate, to keep him out of danger, and close to you.

You don't have to make it a scheduled training time. Simply, if you are around the house, have a toy in one hand and a treat in the other, give some distance show the toy and excitedly call your dog. When he comes over give him the treat. This can be done several times during the day whenever.

The importance of these basic commands is to help you establish your leadership in the pack. You have to be the Alpha, and actually your dog will enjoy being the follower, and will do whatever he can to please you.