COME!

This command could save your dog’s life someday.  As with other commands you want your dog to learn (sit, stay, down, heel, or walk on leash) they are the foundation for a good dog. If you say the command as the dog executes the action, he will get used to hearing that word in context. In time, the word will work as a cue to the dog.

 

Come should always mean something good. Never call the dog to come and be bathed or groomed. Use it initially for something the dog will want to do and he is more likely to learn the word.

 

Start in a quiet room. Squat down, open your arms, and say, “Come,” then immediately praise the dog on the assumption he will obey. Don’t wait and see if he will come the first few times; set a positive tone.

 

When he comes, don’t grab at him. Instead, let him come up to you, and lightly scratch his chest. If he is small enough, scoop him up and tell him how wonderful he is.

 

Practice this indoors and out. Outside be sure you are in a safe and quiet, enclosed area. Make a game of it by hiding from your puppy and calling him. Or walk away from him and quietly call him.

 

If he doesn’t come, go slowly to him, put his leash on and guide him back to where you called him from, praising the entire time. This tells him he has to do it but that you aren’t angry. Never scold him if he comes too slowly, as this will only teach the dog to avoid you in the future. Use lots of treats (this can be with food, praise, or a combination of them both) to begin with. You want the dog to associate coming to you with positive actions. Give him lots of praise and he will come a running when he hears you call him in the future.

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In Memory

Longtime club member and former board officer Joanne Sterbenz passed away in June. She leaves behind her Wheaten, Peabody. Joanne was a CPA and helped guide the finances of the club, even when not holding office. She loved mysteries, shopping, and most of all having her nails done. Many knew Joanne as the one that checked them in to all the club events. She hated hot weather, didn’t suffer fools gladly, and had nearly every piece of Wheaten memorabilia known to Wheatendom. She loved her dogs and we will miss her. Joanne left a nice donation to the club to be used wisely.