Training your dog to 'Come' will require a long leash. The one I use is about 20 feet in length
and retracts via a button. The simple premise of the 'Come' command is to make your dog return
to you.
I taught this command while taking Saffy for her daily walks. Basically, Saffy's nature is
to stroll ahead of me, when she would nearly reach the extent of the lead I would command her,
"Saffy! Come!" If she did not immediately respond I would gently pull her towards me so that
she would associate the word 'Come' with returning towards me. As she started to walk towards
me I would praise her, "Good girl!" When she finally returned I would give her a treat and
give additional praise as her reward for returning.
I have found that she can get distracted by some pretty interesting smells time to time and
does not always immediately respond. I have maintained my approach in these situations and have
actually tried to concentrate on these particular situations hoping that my continued efforts
will eventually over-ride these distractions. However, I have read that this may be something
that you just have to live with, it depends on the dog.
