Does your dog know to come when called? This simple command is very important, both for petiquette and safety purposes. It can help you stop Fido from approaching dangerous areas or strange dogs, and can keep him from running off or racing into traffic if you drop his leash. However, it isn’t always easy getting this point across to Fido. Read on as a local Bowmanville, ON vet offers some tips on helping teach your canine pal to come on command.

The Basics

Start by clipping Fido onto his leash. Tell him to ‘Come’ and then start backing away from him. Fido will likely keep moving forward to get to you. When he reaches you, immediately praise him and then give him a yummy treat, like a small piece of cooked meat or a dog biscuit. This will teach your pup that coming when called is a good thing! When your furry pal seems to have the hang of it, start working with a retractable leash. Reinforce your training in between walks by practicing inside. If you have a yard, you’ll also want to start working with your pooch outdoors.

Other Methods

There are other ways to teach dogs to Come. You can try turning around whenever your canine buddy pulls on his leash. Go in the opposite direction, and say ‘Come.’ When Fido comes to you, give him praise and treats. Just don’t switch methods mid-training. If you aren’t making progress, consult your vet or a professional dog behaviorist, or enroll your pooch in obedience training. It will be well worth it!

Tips

It can be frustrating when your dog runs off. However, if you yell at Fido or punish him after the fact for chasing that after squirrel, you may inadvertently cause him to form a bad association with the word ‘Come.’ That’s the last thing you want, as it could make your pooch even more determined to evade you the next time you say it! If you’ve ever reprimanded Fido for ignoring your command to ‘Come’ then you may want to choose a different word, such as ‘Here.’ Always reward your furry friend with treats and praise when he obeys. You want your four-legged buddy to form good associations with good behavior! Please call us, your local Bowmanville, ON vet clinic, anytime. We’ are dedicated to providing excellent veterinary care!