The most important command is the command to "Come". Teaching your dog to reliably come to you when called could save his life. Below are four different exercises to increase your dog's reliability to come to you when called. The correct command to use is your dog's name and come. If you practice all four of these techniques regularly your dog will learn that coming to you is always rewarding for him. Remember to always start training with you in total control of your dog which means your dog must have on a collar and leash.

Recall: This exercise can begin when you get your dog or puppy. Even very young puppies should begin learning to come when called. Start by putting your dog on a six foot lead, long lead, or "Flexi-line". Let him wander around while you hold the leash. When he is about six feet away call him to you with the command "his name, Come". You may have to give a gentle jerk on the lead to get his attention and get him to start walking to you. PRAISE as he comes to you and give a treat and lots of PRAISE when he reaches you. Whether he comes on his own or you have to pull him to you with the leash PRAISE as he is walking toward you and PRAISE and give a treat when he gets to you. Call him to you from all directions and distances. Practice this exercise at least ten times each day until your dog comes immediately every time you call him to you. This may take several days or weeks. Increase the distance that you call him from by using a longer line. After he is coming to you immediately when called from about 20 to 30 feet away on lead you can start teaching him to come off lead. Leave the long lead attached to him allowing him to drag the lead. Practice calling him to you from short and long distances. If he doesn't come to you on his own you can pick up the lead and pull him to you. Be sure you only allow your dog off lead in a safe fenced area. Always PRAISE as he comes to you and after he arrives give him a treat! You can begin giving treats only a few times during your training session once your dog is very reliable, but continue giving treats occasionally to keep training fun and rewarding for you and your dog and never stop praising. Don't rush into calling him to you without the lead attached to him. He must be totally reliable on lead first. Even after your dog is trained NEVER allow him to run off lead in unsafe areas around traffic or other possible life threatening dangers.

Come Fore: (Your dog needs to know the "Sit" and "Heel" commands before starting this exercise.) Start by putting your dog on a six foot lead. Give your dog the "Heel" command and start walking at a brisk pace. After you have walked a short distance, stop, and quickly walk backwards as you give your dog the command "his name, Come". Your dog will have to turn around and walk toward you. As he comes to you start praising. When he reaches you give him lots of PRAISE and a treat. Do this exercise several times during your daily walk. Once your dog is coming every time encourage him to sit in front of you for his treat. DO NOT give him any corrections for not sitting! A correction for not sitting can be misinterpreted by your dog as a reprimand for coming to you. Encourage a sit by holding the treat above his nose and give him the "Sit" command.

Fun Recall: (Your dog needs to know the "Sit" and "Stay" commands before starting this exercise.) Start by putting your dog on a six foot lead. Give your dog the "Sit" and "Stay" commands. Walk to the end of the lead. Be careful not to pull your dog when you come to the end. Stop, face your dog, and give him the command "his name, Come" as he starts toward you back up quickly several feet praising him as he comes toward you. Stop and allow him to come to you. PRAISE him and give him a treat. Once your dog is coming every time encourage him to sit in front of you for his treat. DO NOT give him any corrections for not sitting! A correction for not sitting can be misinterpreted by your dog as a reprimand for coming to you. Encourage a sit by holding the treat above his nose and give him the "Sit" command.

Formal Recall: (Your dog needs to know the "Sit" and "Stay" commands before starting this exercise.) Start by putting your dog on a six foot lead. Give your dog the "Sit" and "Stay" commands. Walk to the end of the lead. Be careful not to pull your dog when you come to the end. Stop, face your dog, and give him the command "his name, Come". You may have to give him a quick jerk on the lead to get him started. Do not move as he starts toward you but PRAISE him as he comes to you. PRAISE him and give him a treat when he gets to you. Once your dog is coming every time encourage him to sit in front of you for his treat. DO NOT give him any corrections for not sitting! A correction for not sitting can be misinterpreted by your dog as a reprimand for coming to you. Encourage a sit by holding the treat above his nose and give him the "Sit" command.