What's that Dog thinking: Come!!? Really?!! Yes, Everytime.

It can be maddening if not terrifying when your dog doesn't come when you call. Doesn't your heart just about stop when your dog is running away towards the street or off into the woods after deer? On the flip side, how about when your dog deliberately looks at you but continues going along on their own "sniffing" agenda. That really makes me mad.

So to prevent any of that from happening, from fear to embarrassment, people keep their dog on a leash FOR LIFE. Yikes! I don't want that either but how do I get the dog to come?

On a side note, I do recommend that puppy owners keep a leash on their puppies at all times for many months both inside and outside. If your puppy learns that they can never out run you and they are always caught when they do run, we can shape their beliefs about getting away and always coming. This is a great way to condition the Come Command.

What if you didn't do this or have an older dog? I have some other ideas that can help.

First, start over, rebuild a good relationship with your dog. One that the dog understands how to live with you by You setting up Rules, Structure and Leadership.

Another way is to play games. A favorite game I play is called Rocket Recall. Every mealtime is an opportunity to practice. And it takes less than 5 minutes! Think of all the training you can do even though you are busy.

1. Have two bowls ready. One will hold your dog's food, set that on the counter. The other is empty, set that on the floor.

2. Get your dog's attention by saying their name. Then toss a small handful of food into the empty bowl. Say GO and let your dog eat the food.

3. Call COME when they finish eating the bowl food. Say YES (Event Marker Word) as they commit to run to you for more food to eat from your hand.

Repeat these 3 Simple steps until the food is gone. As time goes on you can increase the distance between the dog and the bowl. Greater distance increases the speed of going and coming. You can also add more obedience by having your dog Sit/Stay while you walk over to fill the bowl. Then you can send them on the GO Command.