The Recall Order ‘Wait – Come’

In the previous exercise the dog should have learned that ‘Stay’ means that he should remain where he is until his own returns. In the next stage you want him to do the same but then to come to you when you call him. It is important to use the quite different word, like ‘Wait’, to avoid confusion.

With your dog on the lead, put him in the ‘Sit’ position and give the command ‘Sit – Wait’. It is quite likely that your puppy will follow you the first few times you try this exercise, so just put him back in the starting position, and repeat the command.

When you get the length of the lead away from him – as he remains sitting – turn and face him. Call him by his name, adding ‘Come’. If he is slow in responding, give a quick jerk on the lead repeating ‘Come’.

As soon as he reaches you praise him immediately, and at the same time try to get him to sit in front of you. When he will sit when you leave him and responds immediately when you call him, attach a length of cord to the lead and repeat the whole exercise from a greater distance.

Don’t be in a hurry to try this exercise without the lead. In the everyday situation you will want you dog to come to you whenever you call him regardless of what he is doing at the time. The lead is your only certain means of ensuring obedience to the command.

Only when you are sure he will respond correctly should you remove the lead. If you find he runs away, or will not sit near enough for you to reach him, return to training on the lead.

If necessary, resort to reward with proper pet treats but take care not to overdo it. Aim to get the response because your dog likes coming to you. Give the command in a pleasant voice and make a fuss of him when he comes.