While “come” may seem like one skill, it has many elements! How fast does your dog come? How do they turn away from distractions? Passing a distraction en route to you, running, and coming in close are all different elements. What do you want your dog to do when they arrive? Here are a few small skills that can be put into your come when called practice for excellent results.
Collar Hold
Sometimes this is called a “recall to hand” or “collar grab.” Once trained, you will offer your hand, and your dog will run over and push their neck into your hand. If they’re wearing a collar, you’ll be holding the collar.
To start training, hold your hand, palm up, and finger slightly curled. Use your other hand to offer a treat on the wrist or forearm of your “curled finger arm.” When your dog comes to eat the treat, their neck will now be right in your hand. Repeat this 10-15 times, a few times a day. After a few days, offer your hand and see if your dog moves into your hand on their own. If so - big reward! If not, revisit the training for a few more days.
We can try a few more variations if this isn’t working. Reach out - we offer virtual private coaching.
Final Position
Teach your dog what to do when they arrive - there’s no one correct answer. If your dog knows what to do and loves the skill, they should be eager for any opportunity to demonstrate the skill. Click here for a video that shows you a few of these.
Sit in Front
This is a classic one and is required in obedience competitions. In real life, it may not be as suitable - some dogs don’t like sitting on wet ground, cold ground, or pokey grass. Decide how close you want your dog and where exactly they should be.
Use a treat to guide your dog in and have them sit. Give the treat. Back up and use a treat to guide them in close again immediately. If your dog isn’t close enough, move a few steps and try again - they lost their chance but can get a new opportunity in a new spot.
Hand Touch
Your dog can learn to come in and touch your hand with their nose. This means they come in very close and have a clearly defined completion of their “come when called.” It is easy to teach and many dogs love it very quickly.
Hold out a flat hand. When your dog touches, give a “yes” and then place a treat onto the hand. The “yes” identifies the moment of the touch as the key element for your dog. If they don’t touch - don’t say anything. Remove your hand and try again. You can see a great video here.
Middle / Between
Your dog can learn to come between your legs as their come when called. This might look like they go around you and come underneath you from behind. Other dogs go between your legs, towards your back, then turn around and peek out again. Note that this isn’t a good option for tall dogs - especially if you are a short person!
Stand in a doorway with your feet braced against each side. Toss a treat between your legs so your dog goes underneath you to chase the treat. Repeat back and forth. After your dog is comfortable and easily following it, then move on. As your dog comes underneath, offer the treat at your knees so that they stop underneath you, facing the same way as you. Feed a few treats, then toss one away again.
Once they do this well, you can add a word and try it away from a doorway.
Name
One way pet parents can accidentally ruin come training is to over-use it when they don’t need a dog to come racing in. If you need your young dog to return to the family room, away from the pizza on the counter, he doesn’t need to race in. Maybe you are hiking and need your dog to come in just a little closer instead of running all the way to you. A dog’s name can mean “look to me” or “move in a little closer.” This will help preserve your well-trained “Come!” signal.
Start in a quiet location, indoors. Call your dog’s name. Toss a treat when they look at you. Repeat. Once they immediately turn back, try this outdoors or in a slightly more exciting environment.
By incorporating these mini-skills, you'll transform your dog's recall into a seamless, enjoyable experience. Happy training, and remember, consistency and positive reinforcement are key to mastering the art of "come"!
