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One of the first lessons your dog needs to learn is to come when called. Mastering the come command is important for both the safety of your dog and others.

Start with your dog on a six-foot leash. Call you dog's name and give the command "come". The leash can be used to gently pull your dog towards you. Go crazy with praise when your dog reaches you. When your dog even starts moving towards you, go crazy with praise to encourage your dog to keep coming. Continue to help your dog with the leash. You can reward your dog with praise, a treat, or a toy when your dog reaches you

As soon as your dog is doing well on the six-foot leash, advance to a long line. A twenty- foot long line works well. Take your dog to a public place and add distractions. Wait until your dog is sniffing around or visiting with another dog. Then, call your dog. You can use the long line to help your dog move towards you. Be patient and help your dog to learn. Always give lots of praise and never strike or yell at your dog.

Your dog should never be afraid to come to you. You must always reward your dog for coming to you, even if your reason for calling your dog is to stop undesirable behavior. Never punish a dog that comes when called.

Some dogs will come so fast that you need to brace yourself and be prepared to turn sideways to prevent being knocked to the ground. If you are small and your dog is large, you should teach your dog to sit in front of you, or circle you and sit down, rather than jump into you arms or bowl you over when called.

Dogs come to people who reward them with praise, affection, or treats. Dogs like to chase and be chased. You will exhaust yourself trying to chase your loose dog, and "catch me if you can" is a fun game for your dog. If you are trying to catch a loose dog that will not come when called, run away from the dog, tempt the dog with a toy, or show the dog their leash.

Dogs will often run towards you when they see their leash. Dogs know their leash means a walk. Most dogs do not consider that they are already loose and can go for a walk on their own without their leash and owner.

Learn more about this author, Linda Shortell.
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