How to Teach Dog Come

1. Begin teaching your dog to come before mealtimes, when your dog is alert and hungry.
2. Crouch down a few feet away from your dog.
3. Show him the food bowl, say his name, and as he begins to move toward the food, give the command "Come."
4. As your dog approaches, lavishly praise him and give him the meal.
5. Between meals, practice using a treat.
6. Graduate to standing upright while getting his attention by calling his name, then saying "Come," as he approaches. Eventually, your dog will come to you willingly when he hears his name and the word "Come."

Problem Solving

• Dog does not respond to "Come" command. It is possible that your dog has learned to ignore the Come command because he may associate it with negative consequences. Or he may never have received any rewards for coming to you in the past. Try training him again with another word instead of Come.
• Dog still doesn't come and runs off when I approach him. Do not chase him. Turn and run away from him so he chases you. When your dog is near you, take him by the collar and reward him.

Reinforcing Come Command

• Coming should always have a positive result. Never associate "Coming" with an unpleasant consequence like scolding.
• Gradually increase the distance and the distractions.
• Never command your dog to "Come" unless you know it will obey.

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