Expert Dog Trainer Reveals Simple Trick to Master Dog Recall: Make "Come" Mean "Good Stuff"

At a recent DogFest event, a renowned dog trainer shared valuable insights into improving dog recall, a common challenge for many pet owners. The trainer highlighted a familiar scenario: dogs often respond instantly to the crinkle of a food wrapper but ignore the "come" command. "Have you ever tried to call your dog, and they haven't listened, and then you've gotten a wrapper of something, and then they come running?" the trainer asked the audience. "I've done no training around that. Why are they coming to that? It's because that sound equals good stuff." The trainer explained that the sound of a wrapper is directly associated with a reward, whereas the word "come" is often perceived by dogs as a command to perform a task. To bridge this gap, he advised owners to re-associate the word "come" with positive experiences. "We're going to make this word now just equal good stuff," he stated. He demonstrated an animated and engaging approach, suggesting owners use an enthusiastic tone and immediately reward their dog with treats or toys when they respond to the command. "The word is just free instant food," he added, emphasizing that the reward can be anything the dog values, whether food or a favorite toy. The core principle, according to the trainer, is to make the recall process instant, quick, and fun, ensuring that it's never a chore for the dog. "Number one rule, don't be boring," he concluded, encouraging owners to transform recall into an exciting and rewarding interaction.