The
goal in teaching the "Come" command is to have a wel
disciplined dog that can always be brought to your side regardlessof the
situation.This is as much for your dog's safety and protection as it is
for your convenience.
The best method of teaching
** come ** to a puppy involves the use of a collar and a long leash or
check cord. However, your puppy needs to become adjusted to
thensensation of the collar and the effect of the leash. Dont't start
training until this is done. We prefer a leash or cord that is at least
14 Ft. long. Also, choose a training time when there are no distractions.
Stand with the pup several feet
from you and gently pull him toward you with the cord. As he reaches you,
give praise by gently reaching down to pet him, rubbing him across the
shoulders a few times. It may also help to kneel down in a crouched
position to encourage the pup to come to you.
You don't need to say anything at
all yet because saying * come * will just be confusing to the pup at
this point. In all training, I believe that a dog should know and
understand the action demanded of a command beforeyou ever add human
language to it. Dogs don't understand our words. they can be taught to
understand but it is not a natural or instinctive process for them.
Repeat the pulling-in and praise a few more times. The first lesson
should only be a few minutes long; a pup attention span is short and we
want the lessons to be a fun time between pup and owner.
After a few sessions, you will
notice that the pup comes easier and aesier until the slightest tug on
the cord starts the pup right toward you. This is exactly what we want.Giving
treats is't necessary, but since this is such a difficult command for
some dogs to learn, it may assist in training.
Once you are confident that the pup
start coming to you with the slightest pull on the
cord, say *come * at the same instant you start to pull on the cord.
Just say it once and don't repeat yourself. And don't raise your voice.
The pup will soon associate the action of * come * with the verbal
command.Repeat this process until the cord, although still attached to
the collar, plays no part in bringing the puppy to you. Rather, the pup
comes on its own as a reponse to the verbal command. At this point
in training, the cord can be removed. Working in a controlled area, the
command can be given and the correct behavior rewarded with mild praise.There
will be instances when the pup challenges your authority.Then it's time
to go back to using the check cord for a period of time to refresh and
remind your
pup.
Be
careful how you use spoken commands around your pup. For example,the pup
probably won't evn hear you as he runs across the neighbor's yard,
playing with another dog. Screaming ** come * come * come * at the
time like this only tells a pup that he can get away with disobeying
your commands. Use comman sense when using the command and make
sure the puppy always obeys.Also be sure thar all family members use the
same word for the same command.One person can't be saying * here *
another saying * come here Ralph * and yet another * over here * and
expect the puppy to understand and obey.
**Come** is the most
important command you"ll ever teach your dog. It could save your
dog's life. You and everyone around you will appreciate a dog that is
obedient and under control.
This
article is intended for educational purposes only.All content is general
pet health information and not specific to your pet.You should not,
therefore, rely solely on the information, products or services
mentioned in the article in lieu of consultation with you own
veterinarian
 
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Dutch Kenstaff Staffordshire Bull Terrier ® All rights reserved
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Teaching Your Puppy this
Important Command 
