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Dogs aren’t actually stubborn. However, they at first don’t understand correctly what they’re supposed to do. To make this clear, you need to establish the alpha status up front. Be prepared to practice patience and determination and firm force to establish the behavior wanted. This can be very challenging when teaching the command “come”.

It’s natural for dogs to probe their surroundings. They will smell anything and everything, dig, turn things over, and pick up little items. When doing a teaching session minimize any distractions by arranging to be as far away from other people and voices as practical. It’s a good idea to use an area that is clear of impediments or a space without small objects on the floor.

Be sure to use any instinctive behavior you see. For example when you notice the dog coming at you, give a verbal command along with a hand sign to support this behavior. Try to use a word and gesture that you don’t normally use during your training sessions.

Put the dog in a sitting position facing you. Reinforce the command of ’stay’ as you move away. Use hand gestures and voice commands. Praise the dog if the behavior is correct. Do not reward the dog for an incorrect or partial response.

This activity should be repeated with you stepping back. If the dog tries to come too quickly, reinforce the command of sit/stay. If the dog does not move at the ‘come’ command, entice him with a treat or a toy.

Reluctant or slow learners might need collar training or leash training. Put the dog in the sit and stay position. Start moving away, letting the leash go slack. If the dog does not obey you, tug the leash gently with the appropriate hand and voice command.

If the dog is too eager to come to you, use either a long leash or a rope which should be wrapped around a tree or fence rail. If the dog tries to move, the leash should be tugged as you say ’stay’. This training can be done with the help of another person, but the dog is going to get confused about whom to obey. That is why it is sensible to have the dog’s focus on just one trainer.

During instructing, steadfastness and patience is crucial. Dogs don’t automatically understand the usefulness of ‘come’ or any other human-induced behavior. Speaking harshly when the dog messes up or is a little distracted is normally counter-productive. Develop your alpha role with tone of voice, body language and determination to wait for compliance. Physical discipline or leading is a less helpful technique.

Dogs respond extremely quickly to praise when they execute proper behavior. You need to be resolute and make sure that they come when you order them to.

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