Teaching your pup to come to you when called is one of the most important and fundamental behaviours, to work on from day one. This process should begin as soon as the new family member arrives home.
Choose the right reward. Find out what motivates your pup and use it as a reward whenever they come to you. Most dogs are motivated by:
Food: use something they really love — that special biscuit, sausage, cooked chicken or steak.
Toys: use their favourite toy, bringing it out only when you call them. A new toy can be very appealing.
Attention: make a fuss of your pup every time they come to you — plenty of cuddles and praise!
How to teach it:
1. Start by practising in calm areas, such as indoors or in the garden, and at short distances.
2. Call your pup in a lively, enthusiastic tone. When they come, crouch down to their level and give them the reward.
3. If your pup lives with several people, make sure everyone trains in the same positive way. Consistency across the whole household is essential!
Once this stage is mastered, start working in environments with more distractions and at greater distances.
Use a long lead (4 to 10 m) when working in unsecured areas or places with more distractions. If your pup gets distracted when you call, pull the lead in slowly while continuing to call them, and reward them when they come.
Calling a shy or "fearful" pup: crouch down and turn towards them, calling in a calm, gentle tone (sitting on the ground also helps). When they start moving in your direction, toss rewards onto the ground.
Important tips:
Positive reinforcement, always! Even if you feel frustrated when they don't come, give them their well-earned reward when they do respond.
Vary your tone, phrases and words when calling them.
If they don't come straight away, keep calling until they respond. Never move towards them, or you'll turn the exercise into a game of chase.
