By now you have been crate training your dog and are ready to have him learn the come command. The come command is important because having your dog come to you when called could be a matter of life or death for him. If your dog gets loose and it is running around the neighborhood theres always the chance of him getting hit by a car or something else terrible happening. Once your dog learns the come command and a scenario like this plays out, when you call him he will stop what he's doing and come running to you happily.
The first step for your dog learning the come command is to call him by name around the house. Every time he looks at you praise him and give him a treat. Only call his name once, if he doesn't look at you wait a minute and try again.
The next step is to start calling your dog in your house when you can't see him. By now he should know his name and because of the reward in step 1 he should come running to you when called. Again reward with a treat and praise.
Now your ready to begin step 3. Take your dog outside on a leash. Begin by taking a walk. As you are walking, every couple minutes say your dogs name. When he looks at you make a hand motion towards your body and say the word come. If he comes to you reward with a treat and praise. Do this step for about 2 weeks until your dog comes to you every time you call his name.
Now your at step 4. Take your dog out in your yard or to the park if you don't have a yard. Get yourself a 20-30 ft. leash. Tie the leash around a tree and let your dog sniff and move around as he wishes. Every couple minutes call his name and make your hand motion. If your dog comes to you reward with treats and much praise. When your dog consistently comes to you, you can move on to the last step.
The last step is off leash training. I would only do this in an environment that has a enclosed area until you are totally confident that your dog would come when called. Let your dog run around, when he is totally absorbed in his own world call him. If he comes running reward with treats and praise. If he doesn't respond to off leash commands, go back to step 4 and do that exercise for a couple weeks.
Once your dog learns the come command a lot of the other commands become much easier. You will have piece of mind knowing if your dog is loose you can have him at your side in seconds. As always be patient and have fun.
Ron Johnson researches different dog trainig tecniques and writes articles on his findings. For more dog training tips visit: http://sites.google.com/site/dogobediencetrainingsite/ and if you would like add your experiences visit: http://rj-dogtrainingtips.blogspot.com
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