Michael Baugh CDBC Coming-When-Called (verb) In response to a cue, the dog quickly decreases the distance from where they are to where you are, usually in a straight line, ending in front of you. Reinforce this behavior every time it occurs. Avoid asking for additional behavior, such as a sit, before reinforcing. Reward the come […] The post Training Your Dog to Come When Called appeared first on Michael's Dogs Behavior Group.
Michael Baugh CDBC
Coming-When-Called (verb)
In response to a cue, the dog quickly decreases the distance from where they are to where you are, usually in a straight line, ending in front of you.
Reinforce this behavior every time it occurs.
Avoid asking for additional behavior, such as a sit, before reinforcing. Reward the come first. Everything else can wait.
The Sacred Promise
Many people tell me, “My dog will come if I say, ‘Treat!'”
Of course he will.
When you say “Treat,” you’re not lying to your dog. You fully intend to give him one.
So why not create that same certainty around the word “Come”?
Say, “(your dog’s name), Come!” Your dog runs to you. You give a treat. Every single time.
Come → Your dog comes → Treat.
That’s it.
The word Come should always mean the same thing: If you come to me, I’ll give you something.
Every time.
It’s a sacred promise.
And that’s the beginning of teaching a truly reliable come-when-called.
Simple, right?
Single-Rep Sessions
Throughout the day, randomly call your dog from another room.
Say, “(your dog’s name), Come!”
When your dog arrives, reinforce the behavior with a treat.
For best results, carry treats with you. If you don’t have one in your pocket, simply walk with your dog to where the treats are after he comes. That’s perfectly fine.
Then wait at least twenty minutes before calling him again.
Avoid practicing several repetitions in a row. Instead, teach in single-rep sessions scattered throughout the day.
Increase the Challenge
Once you and your dog are succeeding indoors, begin practicing outside.
Again, call once, reinforce. These are single-rep sessions.
If you’re not in a securely fenced area, use a long leash for safety.
The pattern never changes:
Come → Your dog runs to you → Treat. Every time.
Continue reinforcing this behavior throughout your dog’s life.
The goal isn’t to wean your dog off food reinforcement.
The goal is to build a recall so strong that your dog chooses you over squirrels, smells, other dogs, and every other competing motivator the world has to offer.
Few things in dog training are as satisfying as watching your dog sprint toward you full speed, eager, and joyful.
You’ll probably feel proud.
You’ll certainly feel more in control.
But my hope is that you’ll feel something even better: a deep connection with your dog.
That’s the best feeling of all.
That’s what you’ve been practicing for all along.
Micheal Baugh teaches dog training in Sedona, Arizona, Houston, Texas and online everywhere. He specializes in aggressive dog training.
The post Training Your Dog to Come When Called appeared first on Michael's Dogs Behavior Group.
