Get Your Dog To Come On Command
Many dog owners would love to let their dogs run off leash if only they could get them to come on command. For instance, I have a dog named Jack. He’s a Jack Russell Terrier. He’s sweet, but stubborn. He comes sometimes. But alot of times he doesn’t.
That’s too bad for him because it means I can’t let him roam free of his leash. That makes Jack a prisoner of his leash! I decided to delve into the matter by finding out why Jack doesn’t come when called, and more importantly, how to get him to come on command so that I can feel at ease knowing he will come when called. Read the 5 tips to get your dog to listen when called.
Tip #1 – All dogs need exercise. Certain breeds need more play time than others in order to get their exercise needs met. One of the main reasons why your dog won’t come when called is because he wants to run around and play. Running around the park with other dogs is your dog’s form of exercise. If your poor canine is cooped up in an apartment all day while you’re at work, he’s going to become restless, as he’ll have too much energy that needs to be relased.
He’s not going to come when called because he knows his time to play is going to be short so he wants to make the most of it. Think of your breed and what he’s bred for. By doing this research, you’ll have ample information as to what his exercise requirements are. For instance, my dog is a Jack Russell Terrier.
JRTs are bred to work and hunt. So I make sure Jack goes to the dog run for at least 45 minutes to an hour in the morning where he can wrestle and play with the other dogs. In the evening, I take him out again to the dog run for an hour so he can play some more.
Tip #2 – When training a dog to come on command, make sure when he comes, you praise him. If you give him a correction for not coming – that is, after he finally comes to you – he will put 2 and 2 together and avoid coming to you altogether.
Tip #3 – When you take your dog to the park, make sure during play time you call your dog over to you. Heartily praise him for coming and then let him go back to playing. Why? If you only call your dog when it’s time to go, he’ll associate your calling him with meaning, “the fun is over” and won’t come. So interact with him during play time.
Tip #4 – It’s best to train your dog to come when he’s around 3 months old. The longer you wait to train him to come, the harder it will be.
Tip #5 – If you’re not sure if your dog will come or not, don’t take a chance. Keep him on his leash. Sometimes a dog can run by, or a jogger may sprint past you just when you take him off the leash. Try anticipating when your dog is likely to come and when he’s not. Make sure when he does come, you grab his collar first so that he doesn’t get away. Of course, always praise him lavishly when he does come.
