In the below video, Michael Burkey demonstrates one way to teach your puppy to come when called. You can use your puppy’s daily food ration instead of treats which will make him more motivated to come when called when he has to work for his food instead of getting it for free in a bowl. Hand feeding through training also increases your puppy’s bond with you as he or she learns to depend on you for what they want; food, balls, toys, verbal and physical praise, etc.
As outlined in the below video, begin by tossing a piece of food away from you and label it with the word “go” to teach your dog to go away from you. Just before he returns to get another piece of food from you, say “come” and as he comes back reward with a another piece of food. This is an easy and very effective way to teach your puppy to come when called. You can practice this routine during the three minute commercials during your favorite television program. Now how much easier could that be?.
As your pup returns to you, show them a piece of food in your hand and lure them in close between your feet. This will teach your puppy to come in close proximity to you, so later when done from a standing position; your puppy will already use to coming in close to you. This makes it easier to snap their leash onto their collar.
At first, there is no need to have your puppy sit once they get to you. I like them coming in fast before you throw in a second command such as sit. The only exception to this is if you have a very fast recall already or your puppy is tempted to jump on you once they reach you. If so, add the “sit” cue to the equation. Otherwise, work on one thing at a time such as the “come” cue and later add the “sit” to the equation.
For help with puppy training, check us out at Michigan Dog Training or call us direct at 734-634-4152. We have a wide variety of services to help you train your puppy the right way, the first time. Maize featured in this post is in our Puppy VIP Day Care training program and Puppy Manners group class. Doing that combination of training provides the owner with the knowledge they need to train their puppy and have it reinforced by professional dog trainers during the week-days. It’s great socialization, obedience training and potty training as well.
So in review:
- Sit down in a chair with a bowl of your puppy’s food
- Throw a piece of dog food away from you and say “go”
- As your puppy finishes eating the thrown kibble but before he returns, use the word “come”
- Lure your puppy between your feet and reward him/her with another piece of yummy kibble
- As your puppy is solid on the come command eliminate the lure and verbally cue your puppy to “sit” just before he or she reaches you
