Saralyn Wasserman is an animal advocate with extensive experience training various breeds of dogs. In the following article, Saralyn Wasserman discusses how to train a dog to come when called — in order to keep them safe and healthy.
The Pack Mentality
Dogs are “pack” animals, which means that they naturally prefer to travel in groups. Historically, this has served dogs well in a variety of ways. With feral or wild dogs, staying in a pack has delivered protection from predators, and it has also provided dogs with a greater ability to hunt for food.
Saralyn Wasserman explains that in a gathering of two or more dogs, a natural hierarchy emerges, with one assuming the role of the leader. In a group that is formed between a human and their dog, it becomes imperative for the human to establish themselves as the authoritative leader early in the relationship — even during the puppy phase, if possible. Saralyn states that this fundamental step will lay the groundwork for effective communication and obedience training, enabling the owner to successfully teach their dog to obey a variety of commands.
Saralyn Wasserman on Training Rewards
Saralyn Wasserman says that one commonly employed approach to dog training involves the use of food, which is popular due to its short-term efficiency and effectiveness. However, dog owners who use this method of training will eventually face a decision for long-term training maintenance. They can either continue to rely on food rewards — which may lead to increased weight gain as the dog ages – or they can gradually transition away from food or treats – however, this becomes increasingly difficult as the dog grows older.
Training a dog from the beginning using voice, words, and gestures . . . followed by praise, hugs, and pets, can be just as effective as training with food. And if this method is used repeatedly, owners will be able to maintain their dog’s obedience throughout their lifetime – not just to come when called – but also to obey other commands as well. So, rather than training them to focus on food as a reward, Saralyn Wasserman says that the recommended approach is to train the dog to focus on obeying its owner’s commands.
A Dog’s Ability to Recognizable Words and Sounds
Using a dog’s name is very important as it will alert the dog to pay attention and will train them to anticipate a forthcoming command.
Saralyn Wasserman explains that it’s easiest for dogs to recognize one to two syllables, as well as simple commands. So new puppy owners who are still trying to come up with a good dog name should try to limit it to two syllables – max. For those with dogs who already have a longer name, the owner should try to emphasize the first or last syllables when calling them. Otherwise, the owner might want to choose a short nickname and stick to that when training/calling their dog.
Saralyn further explains that dogs can more easily recognize hard consonants, so it’s best to emphasize the hard consonants in their name when calling them.
In order to initiate a command, one should state the dog’s name in a loud, clear and confident voice. Then, the immediate next word should be a one-to-two-word command – in this case, “come.” By doing so, the command “Pete, Come!” or “Tuck, Come!” – will help keep the message succinct and clear.
Dogs possess significantly sharper hearing than humans, so maintaining clear and succinct vocal cues when giving commands is just as important as using a firm and authoritative tone of voice.
Where to Train
Training can take place either indoors or outdoors, but it is very important to minimize distractions as much as possible, especially the presence of other humans, other animals, food smells and loud sounds. Not only can a dog become easily distracted by these, but with their heightened sense of smell and hearing, multiple sensory inputs can easily confuse them. To avoid this, minimizing distractions is essential.
When first setting up the training site, owners should limit the confines of the designated training area with some kind of a barrier. A backyard with a fence would be ideal – as long as there are little to no distractions. An open basement will work just as well.
How to Begin
The owner should first allow their dog to wander, sniff, and discover the area. When ready to initiate the command, Saralyn Wasserman recommends first saying the dog’s name, and then using the command “come” — in a firm and clear tone of voice, while pointing to the ground next to their foot. Additionally, the word “here,” may be included to specify the desired location for the dog to approach. It is likely that the full command (dog’s name, “come,” “here”) will need to be repeated several times. Patience is key at this point in the training, and the initial tries may take long periods of time.
The owner should repeat the command as many times as needed during the training session, using the same strong tone of voice each time. Eventually, the dog will do one of three things – run, ignore, or come. Here is relevant information pertaining to each of these three scenarios . . .
Running Away – He Just Wants to Play
During a training session, a dog may run away, while periodically looking back at its owner. This usually indicates that they want their owner to follow them – typically, to play. When this happens during training, it is critical to not give chase. Doing so will indicate to the dog that they are the alpha-leader and that they make the rules.
When a dog runs away from its owner while maintaining the owner within their sightline, it indicates that they feel dependent upon them. This may be because the owner feeds them every day, or it may be because the dog feels that the owner is part of its pack, family or group. Regardless, the fact that the dog will not run away to a point where it cannot see its owner — offers the owner a big advantage in training this type of dog. Because the dog will not go to a point where they cannot see their owner means that the only options the dog will have is to either stay where they are, or to move to another area where they can still see their owner. Eventually, this type of dog will comply with the owner’s command.
If the dog approaches the owner in small increments, it is important for the owner to remain patient and refrain from giving in by walking toward the dog – even if the dog is very close. This moment is crucial in establishing the dog’s obedience to its owner, and it’s very important for the owner to wait until the dog comes all the way up to the spot they’re pointing to on the ground.
Often, the dog may initially resist the command, but will eventually comply. To gain optimal results, this process should be repeated frequently.
What to Do When the Command is Ignored
If a dog completely ignores its owner’s commands, then using a leash will be necessary — at least in the beginning. Periodically tugging on the leash while using the same technique as above, the owner should repeat the desired command (dog’s name, “come”) in a clear, loud, and commanding voice, while pointing to the ground next to their foot.
This approach should eventually yield results but will likely take longer, as this type of dog usually requires more repetition and reinforcement to train. Owners should understand that having a little patience will go a long way here — and with consistent repetition, the dog should eventually catch on.
When the Dog Comes – What’s Next?
Owners should never forget that each time the dog does what’s asked — whether it’s coming to their owner or another command — to be sure to reward their good behavior with lots of praise and pets. This will reinforce that the dog successfully performed the command, and that they will be rewarded again when the action is repeated.
In Conclusion
Saralyn Wasserman says that owners have communication tools that dogs don’t, and they should use them to their advantage – such as using a strong and commanding tone of voice.
By using consistent repetition of actions and commands, pet owners will reinforce obedience in their dogs. And once the command to “come” is instilled in the dog, the owner will possess the ability to keep their dog healthy and safe from potential danger in the future.
