How To Train A Puppy To Come To You Outdoors
Once your dog has learned to come to you indoors, you can begin training with a collar and longline before moving to a more distracting location outdoors. Your dog’s safety depends on you, so only when you are totally confident that the dog will come to you on command should you move on to recalling without the lead. Never recall your dog to discipline it.
Praise On Return
Always greet your dog when it returns to you, no matter how long it takes it to get there. You are praising the very last thing the dog did, which was to come to you.
Lead In Pocket
Do not brandish your lead when calling your dog – you are advertising that you will be putting the lead on and that the fun may be over. Get into the habit of simply touching the dog’s collar on return. Do not grab the dog.
Make Returning Fun
Recall your dog several times during a walk, give a reward for compliance, and then release it to go and play again. Whenever the dog returns, play a game with a tug toy to make coming back worthwhile.
How To Train A Puppy To Come To You
Put a large knot at one end of a longline, with the clip attached to the dog’s collar. Give the “Sit” command and stand on the dog’s left-hand side, holding the shortened line in your right hand. Place your left foot firmly on the line, as close as possible to the knot.
Release the dog, letting out the longline gradually as the dog moves forwards. Be careful to do this in time with the speed of the dog’s movement so the dog is not pulled up before it gets to the end of the line. Make sure the dog’s legs do not become entangled in the line.
As the dog approaches the end of the line, call its name in a clear, friendly voice. You may need to move the weight of your body forwards to counteract any tension from the dog’s pull. You are in control as long as your foot is firmly on the line.
When your dog hears its name, together with the “Come” command, it will turn around and begin to walk towards you. As it moves forwards, say “Good dog” in a welcoming voice. When the dog reaches you, kneel down with your arms open in the greeting position.
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