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Training a dog to come back to you from a distance is considered to be one of the more challenging tasks, as you are asking your dog to return to you when he is interested in doing something else or being elsewhere. But, if you don't train him to come back on your command, he could simply run off and get lost or be injured, or worse. It is only natural for a dog to want to roam and explore his world, it is your job to teach him to come back to you when you call him.
There is nothing worse than having to worry about your dog running loose just because the front door is open, or the gate didn't get closed properly. At the same time, you don't want to treat your dog like he is a prisoner in his own home or yard. Long lead or as it is also known, long leash, long line, or check cord training is one of the fastest and best ways to train your furry friend to come each time you call him.
The basic command is "Come!", meaning that no matter what your dog happens to be doing when you call his name and use the command, you want him to immediately stop what he is doing and return to you. This is one of the most important things you can teach your pup to do, as it could easily save his life at some point. Imagine if your dog was just about to step out onto a busy street and he ignored your command to 'come'.
While the command and the anticipated response are relatively simple, it can take a while for the concept to set in and for your dog to learn to come to your command whether or not he is on a long lead. You can use this method of training on both puppies and adults. In fact, the earlier you start this type of training, the faster your pup is likely to learn what is expected of him.
When it comes to getting started, you don't need much in the way of equipment. You need a long leash, most trainers recommend one between 30 and 50 feet long. Never use one of those retractable leashes as this is not what they are designed to be used for. The ultimate goal is for your dog to come anytime you call without the need for any kind of leash. Supplies needed include:
- A long lead: Look for one that is 30 to 50 feet long for training purposes.
- Treats: To give your pup as a reward for getting it right.
- Patience: You'll need plenty of this at first.
- A Good Attitude: Your dog will pick up your attitudes, so be happy and stay relaxed.
- A place to work: Look for a nice quiet place to work with plenty of space.
Keep in mind that the idea of a long lead is to allow it to trail out behind your dog without your interference. He needs to feel as though he is free to wander until he gets to the end of the line, at which point you should be commanding him to come. Remember to use a firm commanding voice that lets your dog know you mean business while at the same time make sure you have a treat for him when he does what he is being asked to do.
The Stay in Range Method
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Leash your pup
Attach your dog's long-leash to his collar for the training session.
Unwind the leash
As your dog walks away from you, let the long-leash unwind.
Let it lie
Allow the leash to lay loose on the ground. This way he knows it's there but that it is not stopping him from wandering within his boundaries.
End of the line
When he gets close to the end of the line, pick it up and use a command such as "Stop!" This is designed to help him recognize his boundaries.
Bring him in
Call your dog by name and give the 'come' command. As he walks back towards you pull the leash in along with him. Praise him and give him treats. Repeat this until he gets it right every time on the leash.
Off-leash
By now he should have no problem when called while he is on the leash. Now it's time to take him off the leash and practice the same game until he will come to you from anywhere when you call him.
The Come When Called Method
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Hook him up
Attach the long lead to your pup's collar, but keep it coiled up in your hand for the moment.
Stay put
Give your dog the 'stay' command and start to back away from him as you uncoil the leash.
Short moves first
For the first few attempts, keep the distances down to just a few feet until he gets the hang of it.
Call him to you
Call your pup to come to you. If he does so, reward him with a treat and lots of praise.
Continue working
Continue working with him until you reach the end of his leash and he will still come to you. Work with him at the end of the leash for a few days. By now you should be ready to try working with him off his leash. He should still stay within the range of his leash. If he does so, be sure to reinforce this behavior with lots of praise and treats.
The Going for Walks Method
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Get ready to go
Coil the leash up and attach the clip to your pup's collar.
Pay it out
Go for a walk along your usual route, paying the leash out, letting it drag on the ground as you walk.
Call-back time
When your dog has walked out to what you feel is a good distance, call him back to you.
Coil it up
If he is a good boy and comes right back to you, coil up the leash and give him a treat.
When he doesn't come back
If he doesn't come when called, use the leash to gently stop him in his tracks and either gently pull him back or wind the leash up as you walk towards him.
Keep working at it
Go for as many walks each day as you have time for. Keep them short, and keep repeating the training until your pup will come when called. Get rid of the leash and let your pup roam ahead, then call him back to you. When he comes back, heap on tons or praise and a healthy dose of treats.
Written by PB Getz
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 11/08/2017, edited: 01/08/2021
Training Questions and Answers
Hugh is a rescue & we ha had him a couple of months. He is a very affectionate & sweet boy but at 18 months still has most of the puppy behaviors& clearly wasn’t trained on some things by his first family most specifically to come when called. Toward the end of his life with them they had resorted to using a shock collar, incorrectly obviously to try teach him everything from not barking when the doorbell rang to whatever. He was somewhat depressed when we got him & remains highly anxious. We have worked on some training but have mostly loved on him to reinforce he is safe with us. Continued
May 21, 2023
Hugh's Owner
Caitlin Crittenden - Dog Trainer
1128 Dog owners recommended
Hello, Check out the article I have linked below. Because of his trust issues, I would start by using something fun like the Round Robin method, making a game out of coming. I would also have him outside on a long training leash, simply walk around letting the end of the leash gentle tug him if he doesn't follow, without saying anything. Anytime he comes up to you or walks your way, praise genuinely and offer a treat to encourage him to naturally stay with you and want to be with you. Round Robin method and Reel In method for Come: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-whippet-to-recall When you have done all of that, and he is comfortable with with you more and coming to you more, then I would also use the Reel In method from the article I have linked below, to reinforce coming consistently around distractions even in new locations, like parks, keeping him on the long training leash in those locations of course for safety. Because he is a bigger dog, make sure you don't give too much slack in the leash, winding up the extra as needed, so he can't bolt and pick up speed a lot before hitting the end of the leash and pulling you over.
May 24, 2023
How do I teach my dog that I'm the alpha no matter who's around and to be dedicated to me and only me
Jan. 27, 2023
Itabit's Owner
Caitlin Crittenden - Dog Trainer
1128 Dog owners recommended
Hello, First, The goal at ten weeks of age should be to introduce pup to as many people as possible and make those experiences fun for pup, so that pup will gain confidence, adaptability, and a sense of what's normal around others. Australian Shepherd tend to naturally be loyal but that trait is likely to show up more when pup matures more closer to 9-18 months of age, age depending on the specific dog. Don't keep pup from others in an attempt to teach dedication or it can lead to fear and suspiciousness of others and issues with listening to you around others while in a fight or flight state. Second, I would set specific times each day or a few times a week, like three times a week for at least thirty minute, to intentionally train with pup and teach new commands, build on current commands, or even teach tricks. Australian Shepherds are a working herding breed and very intelligent. One the best ways to earn the respect, trust and loyalty of a Australian Shepherd is to stimulate their brain in a way that satisfies that need to work and learn. Doing this regularly also has the benefit of leading to a really well trained, responsive dog, helping pup be calmer, more confident, and more focused by having that need met, and it can be a lot of fun to do with a smart dog. Lure reward training is a good place to start with a young puppy. Dog Star Daily, Sirius puppy training, and Ian Dunbar are all good resources for puppy training and basic through intermediate obedience. James Penrith can be good for Off-leash obedience if you go that far later. Aussies are smart, can be stubborn, but are also sensitive, so avoid methods that are overly harsh but do be very consistent and use methods that follow through with commands, like giving a treat if pup comes willingly and reeling pup in with a long training leash if they don't come, but without hitting pup or needing to yell. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
Jan. 31, 2023