Training techniques : Come and Walk commands
We have talked about the 3 basic commands : Name, Sit and Stay, in this article we gonna talk about 2 more important commands : Come & Walk
COME
Also known as the recall command. This is another easy to teach command that may just save your dog’s life someday. It is still not advisable to teach this while off leash. If you want to do it without the leash, it is better not to practice in an open field.
How Do You Teach the Come Command?
In a fence backyard, find yourself a comfortable place and sit. If you are doing this training with the family, you may sit around circles. – Have one member of the family hold your dog and another say his name, and then the command “come”.
Expect the dog to not follow the command right away. But when he comes running, catch the leash and then give him a pat on the back. Remember not to grab the collar as this can scare him away and might run away.
Once the treat is given, have another family member call his name.
WALK
It becomes difficult to get the dog outside the house and walk around the neighborhood if he keeps dragging his owner on walks. Motivators and toys can often work but to a certain extent. Even that good old treats won’t do when he is outside. Why?
Because there are many things to see and explore outside and your dog is just too excited to this perceived freedom. Walking maybe a bit of a challenge, but there are a few techniques that might be of great help :
- Allow the dog to have his way for a while with the leash just so he can burn off a little energy.
- When you go on walks, do not forget treats and motivators. – Begin your walks with your left foot leaning into the first step as cue.
- To keep him focused on you, pat his back, say his name, and give him treats.
- Inject some variety. If he goes the wrong way, go the other direction. If he lunges, do an about turn. If he veers left, turn to right. Keep changing directions until he realizes that you are the leader and he must follow you if he does not want to be left behind.
- Continue with this practice as often as possible with breaks.
