Step by step guide to teaching your dog to come when called.
Teach the dog to come when called. After all, why do some dogs seem deaf when they are loose?
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The secret lies in building a positive relationship and strengthening the bond of trust. It's a gradual process.
Building the Foundation of Trust
The starting point for good training isn't the command itself, but rather the relationship you establish with your dog. Building this connection is the first step.
You must become the most interesting person in the room, and your calling must be a promise of something good.
Use a reward he loves, whether it's a treat, a special toy, or effusive praise.
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Begin training in a controlled environment, free from distractions. Use a cheerful and inviting tone of voice, never authoritarian or punitive.
First, say his name, and when he looks at you, use the command. If he approaches, celebrate the achievement as if it were an event.
This initial phase may seem simple, but it is the one that requires the most consistency and patience to consolidate the learning.
Remember, the goal is for your dog to associate your call with an extremely positive experience.
Step by Step: Practical Training
Once your dog responds in unstimulated environments, we can begin increasing the difficulty. Training should follow a logical progression.
With each progress, the reward should be proportional to the effort. Keep sessions short and fun to avoid boredom and frustration.
Change your location and add small distractions, like a toy or a distant family member. Gradually increase the distance between you.
If he doesn't come, don't despair or punish him. Instead, reduce the difficulty again. Failure is part of the process.
Repeat these sessions several times a day, always with positive reinforcement, so that the behavior becomes a reflex. This repetition is key.
Add Distractions Intelligently
Once your dog responds well in controlled environments, it's time to start testing his ability in real-world situations.
The analogy of training for a marathon runner fits perfectly here.
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He starts by training on flat courses and gradually adds hills and uneven terrain to build his endurance.
Likewise, your dog needs to get used to responding to a variety of stimuli. Start practicing in environments with light noise or other people.
Increase the intensity of distractions gradually.
The goal is for the dog to realize that even with the scent of another dog or a bird flying by, the reward for coming to you is greater.
The Importance of Consistency and Positive Reinforcement
Training is a journey that requires consistency. Each time your dog responds to your call, reinforce the behavior.
When you're training outside, for example, and he comes to you, make him a pet, give him a delicious treat, and play with him.
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This doesn't mean you should reward him every time he comes, but rather in a variable way, so that the behavior becomes even stronger, like in a lottery where the reward is random, keeping him engaged.
The unpredictability of the reward keeps you motivated.
According to renowned veterinary behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar, the number one mistake owners make is calling their dog and not rewarding them appropriately.
It's crucial to never use recall as punishment. If the dog associates the command with something bad, he'll simply stop coming. Teaching your dog to come when called requires reinforcements.
Case Studies and Practical Examples
To illustrate the application of these concepts, let's look at two real examples.
A Golden Retriever named Joca loved to run in parks. His owner, Ana, had trouble getting him to come back.
Instead of shouting his name, she began to crouch down, open her arms, and use an excited voice, saying, “Joca, come!”
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At the same time, she shook a toy he loved. Joca, associating the position and the toy with fun, began to respond to her call more often.
Carol, the owner of a Pug puppy, noticed that he was distracted by the smells in the yard. She began calling the Pug, Pingo, from a short distance away.
When he came, she rewarded him with a piece of cheese, his favorite treat.
As Pingo responded, she increased the distance and distractions, while maintaining the reward. The Pug began to come reliably.
These examples show that adapting the technique to the dog's personality is crucial. What works for one may not work for another. Therefore, knowing your dog is essential.
Statistics and Final Considerations
Training is an investment in your dog's well-being and safety.
A survey by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in the United Kingdom showed that 85% of dog owners consider the command to come when called one of the most important for preventing accidents and escapes.
The following table demonstrates the ideal training progression for teach the dog to come when called:
| PHASE | ENVIRONMENT | DISTANCE | DISTRACTIONS | REWARD |
| 1 | Inside the house | Short | None | High |
| 2 | Yard | Average | Low | High |
| 3 | Quiet park | Average | Average | High |
| 4 | Busy park | Long | High | Variable |
What do you do when your dog ignores you at the park? The process is ongoing and requires dedication.
There is no magic formula, but rather the application of correct techniques and consistency.
Teaching your dog to come when called it is a skill that brings freedom.
The freedom to run off-leash in a safe place, the freedom to be at peace knowing your companion is safe.
When you master this technique, the connection between you will be strengthened, and the ride will be an even more pleasurable experience.
Mutual trust is the greatest reward of training.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. My dog is already an adult, can I still train him?
Yes, dogs of any age can be trained. Canine brain plasticity allows them to learn throughout their lives.
The time may be a little longer, but the principles are the same.
2. What should I do if my dog doesn't respond to treats?
If he's not motivated by food, find another reward he loves. It could be a toy, a game of tug-of-war, or even a pat and enthusiastic praise.
3. Why does he respond at home but not on the street?
The street has more distractions, smells, noises and other dogs.
Training needs to be gradual so the dog gets used to responding in increasingly complex environments. Increase the difficulty slowly.
4. Should I repeat the word “come” several times?
No. Repeatedly saying the command makes it lose its meaning. Say it once, clearly and invitingly. If he doesn't come, go back a few steps in the training.
5. How do I teach my dog to come when called in emergency situations?
The secret is to train the command in all situations, so that it becomes a reflex.
In an emergency, use a loud, assertive tone of voice, and remember that prior training is crucial. Emergency training is the final step.