"Come!"

The 'come' command was the first thing that we taught Adrian. She was probably about 2 months old when we bought her- she was too young for things like 'sit/ stay' but I don't think a puppy is ever too young to learn to "come".

Before any training time, it's best to have a hungry puppy- making little treats the best reward possible.

The first step for the 'come' command teaching her to recognize her name. We would sit near her on the floor while she was occupied with a toy and simply say her name.

When she responded to her name simply by looking at me, we would give her a little treat. I did this part of the training in one day, sitting with her for about 30 minutes. By this time, she knows what was coming when her name is called. Then, we scoot further away from her and add the "come" command: "Adrian, come!" *pitter patter* "Good girl!* and then a treat. Repeat this until she responds 100% of the time.

Don't you wish someone had played this game for you to help you learn your name? Every time some one says your name you get a cupcake-- or a new pair of shoes! ha!

*Note* Dogs can become confused if you give a command like this "Come here, girl! Hi Adrian, don't you want to come here? good girl! Come on!" All that is necessary is one word- and use the same inflection every time. You aren't actually teaching them with words, but with tone of voice.

Next, Scott and I sat in separate rooms with a hand full of treats. We alternately called her name and she would run from back and forth between us. At this point, we don't give a treat for every time she was obedient. (Gotta start the weaning process sometime, right?)

The last step and final test was taking her outside and letting her off the leash. For this big step, I brought along something that was a super treat, like chicken 'n gravy or fruit loops (this girl loves her some fruit loops). It's also important that you do this training while she is occupied doing something else fun. The point of this command is to teach her to come EVERY time and RIGHT AWAY; and realistically, there will always be distractions. Adrian still struggles to come right away if there is another dog nearby, which (now that she is a year old) earns a pop on the tush.

For reinforcement, I call her name while I'm cooking and give her little bits of food from the counter while I'm cooking. (this is not a good idea if you don't want the dog underfoot in the kitchen... but I don't mind)

One mistake I'm working to correct is scolding her by using her name. For instance: her nose in the trashcan and I say "Adriaaaan!" in my angry voice. The word "NO" is sufficient for chastising... I want my doggy to wag her tail when her name is called, not think she is in trouble for something.

Add ons: We have a hand signal for every command- so if we can give the command without speaking when it's necessary (this will be so useful when the baby is sleeping!) For the "come" command, we simply pat our legs and hold out our hands. Do this every time you say "Adrian, COME" and she will understand non- verbal commands easily.

Happy Doggy Training!