| Most dog owners can attest to the frustration, | | | | naturally resist this type of pressure and dig in its heels |
| embarrassment and even danger when their dog | | | | leading to a negative experience for the animal.Once |
| decides to activate its selective hearing practices and | | | | the dog has returned successfully several times, |
| ignores your command to 'come'. Here are some tips | | | | remove the lead and try again. If the dog does not |
| to teach your dog the rules.Let's start with a few | | | | come immediately, throw the lead towards the dog to |
| ground rules. When training a dog, it is easy to develop | | | | get its attention (but don't aim to hit the dog). The lead |
| a 'sergeant major' tone, however, it is important to | | | | will land near the dog and will snap the animal to |
| keep the training process fun and interesting. Keep | | | | attention. Once you have the dog's attention, repeat |
| your voice relaxed and use a 'happy' tone. Always | | | | the command once. While throwing the lead is not a |
| praise your dog with cuddles and treats when it | | | | standard training procedure, it has worked well for |
| successfully completes the command.Never call your | | | | many people. Some say that it tells your dog that your |
| dog to you to punish it and never chase after the dog. | | | | arm is actually longer than it looks!Practice this |
| When playing with your dog, play games where the | | | | command on a daily basis until the dog is happy to |
| dog chases after you. If you develop a game where | | | | always return to you. Thereafter, practice on a weekly |
| you chase the dog, it will have a natural tendency to | | | | or fortnightly basis in five-minute sessions. If your dog |
| run away from you!Another important rule is to avoid | | | | has ignored the command at the park, practice the |
| repeating the command. Your dog should be taught to | | | | command as soon as you get home using the lead |
| come on just one word, not 20! Repeating a command | | | | and treats.You can also teach this command with a |
| is an unpleasant vocal exercise (and an embarrassing | | | | physical stance whereby both your hands are |
| one) for the owner, and it will also confuse the | | | | stretched out either side from your body. This is useful |
| dog.You can begin training this command as soon as | | | | for when your dog is a longer distance away from |
| the puppy is brought home. A puppy will usually want | | | | you.Finally, avoid getting angry at your animal. A dog is |
| to stay close to its owner and you can apply the | | | | usually so intrigued with the environment and is |
| command when the puppy is naturally coming to | | | | naturally stimulated and more interested in the |
| you.To extend the training, start in the backyard or a | | | | butterflies, birds, smells and other animals. Using positive |
| small enclosed area. Fit your puppy with a harness and | | | | re-enforcement in a controlled environment along with |
| attach the lead to it. Have treats on hand. Let the dog | | | | a happy manner will quickly remind the dog that a |
| wander away, then call its name and say "Come".Only | | | | recall is a fun thing to do.For lots of easy to read |
| say the command once and if the dog does not return | | | | articles, full of useful information that is sure to help you |
| immediately begin to pull in the lead. When the dog is in | | | | out with your pet or pets, go to While you are there |
| front of you, give it a treat and lots of praise. Never pull | | | | sign up for the PET NEWS email newsletter - it is |
| on a lead that is attached to a collar. A dog will | | | | FREE and packed with handy tips for pet owners. |