The Dogs Bone

"Come" is a command every puppy needs to learn. Positive control is essential here. When you say "Come," the puppy must know he has no alternative. But a sense of happiness and positivity is important as dogs respond more quickly if they WANT to come to you. Puppies are naturally curious, and this can be used to advantage in training, by creating an inviting atmosphere.

Consistency is also fundamental to your success, as once your puppy realizes he doesn't have to come, your troubles will begin! You'll need a puppy collar and a twenty-five-foot line.

1. When you first put your puppy out in the yard on his line, the very first time, allow him to explore until he seems to be getting tired.
   
   
2. At that point, kneel and say "Come" and give the line a small tug. The tug will turn the puppy toward you. Start praising him now, squatting down and clapping your hands. You're praising on the assumption he will come. This creates a positive atmosphere. He may then:
   
   

• Come - If he does this, really love, cuddle and praise him. Pick him up and carry him into the house and give him a tiny tidbit.
  
  
• Turn and sit - If he does this, continue to give gentle little tugs, along with lots of verbal encouragement, until he gets to you. Then praise as if he had come on his own.
  
  
• Buck and holler at the end of the line - If he does this, sit quietly until he quits (sometimes it takes a while). Then give another "Come" and tug the line again. Repeat - even if it takes fifty waits, fifty "comes," and fifty tugs. When he reaches you, love him and praise him as if he had come on the first call, on his own.
  
  
• Sulk, roll over on his back, wrap his feet around the line and say, "No way, Jose!" - If he does this, stay calm, wait until he freezes in some position, then repeat "come," and give a tug on the line. If he repeats his previous actions, repeat yours. When he finally comes to you, reward him and praise him as if he had come the first time. As you pick your puppy up and carry him into the house, you may tell him anything as long as your voice is happy - you have won - no matter how long it has taken you!

If you use these exercises on the come daily, both at home and on walks, the puppy will grow up knowing that "come" means a problem for him when he remains where he is and does not come, and that safety and praise are his when he does come. Later on, when he is truly free to choose, if you have been consistent, he will choose you.