[onscreen text] 
Come when Called.


(upbeat music)
[onscreen action] Man with leash.
[Instructor] Teaching your dog to come when called
will help keep your dog safe
and make your job as a pet parent easier.

[onscreen action] Man with dog outside.

When you first start teaching this behavior,
try not to use the word, come,
unless the dog is already running towards you,
otherwise the word come may end up meaning something
entirely different to him.


[onscreen text] (Dog’s thought bubble) I love coming to you

[onscreen action] Woman in kitchen getting treats, and dog running over to her)

Now, as with many new behaviors,
start by practicing inside your home to limit distractions.
Have some treats ready
and as your dog is running toward you, say "Come",
even though your dog is already coming to you.
Once your dog arrives at your feet, say "Yes",
and give him some treats with lots of praise.

[onscreen action] Woman on couch reading, dogs walks up.


Anytime your dog walks over to you without you calling him,
give him a treat.
Do this for about four to five days.


[onscreen text] (dog’s thought bubble) I like hanging out with you.

Your dog will quickly figure out
^that hanging out near you is very rewarding.

[onscreen action] Woman and dog outside.

Now, your next step will be practicing outside with a leash.
Call your dog's name and when he looks at you, say "Come".
If he comes right to you, say "Yes"
and give him a treat with lots of praise.
If he doesn't come to you right away,
you may need to use your leash to gently reel him in a bit.

[onscreen text] 
Trainer’s Tip: 
Don’t force your dog to come to you.
He’s still learning. 


Use your body language too.
Try turning your body sideways to your dog
and maybe even squat down.
Again, once your dog comes towards you, say "Yes",
and give him some yummy treats with lots of praise.
Repeat this several times for a few days
until you think he gets it.

[onscreen action] Man outside, calling dog to him.


Now repeat the same process, but use a long line instead.
This will allow your dog to get used to returning to you
from longer distances.

[onscreen text]
Trainer’s Tip:
Always practice in an enclosed area.


Once you've had success with holding the long line,
the next step will be to let the line drag on the ground,
while in a safe enclosed area,
like a fenced-in yard or enclosed tennis court.
Practice calling your dog.
Remember to give him treats
and lots of praise when he comes to you.

[onscreen action] Woman slowly reeling in dog leash.

If your dog doesn't come, just take the end of the line
and gently reel him in.
Once he's by your side,
praise him and give him lots of rewards.

[onscreen action] Dog seeing squirrel outside.


When asking your dog to come when called,
it's important to understand
that there are lots of temptations out there,
and it's difficult to ensure
that your dog will always come to you in every situation.
You should really rely on a leash when you're outside
and consider come your safety net.