After the "Who" command getting your pup to come when commanded "Come" is the most important for the puppy's safety. The command is just "Come" not "Come Fido" or anything else like that. I read constantly in forums that people are telling about the accidents their dogs have had and I personally know several people that have lost their dogs to road traffic because of inattention or non-response to either the "Whoa" or "Come" command. These folks have not paid enough attention to the training of their pup and it is a sad ending of an otherwise promising hunting dog career. I don't want you to become the next pup owner where such a tragic episode may happen so please put to good use the training methods described here.

Keep in mind that puppies are pack animals and they like to be worked with as long as the work is fun, but most of all they need attention from their pack leader, namely you. So work with what you have already taught pup, like Sit, Stay and Whoa. Start out with pup sitting or standing next to you on the left side and when you are ready give him the command Stay (Whoa) and leave on your right foot while at the same time showing your hand in front of pup as a STOP sign. Get to the end of the 6-foot leash and turn around so you face pup. Keep using your hand as a Stop sign so pup will stay. When he is quietly staying give the "Come" command while at the same time pulling on the leash. You might also use a treat instead of pulling on the leash. The leash is there to ensure pup doesn't start walking away. In the beginning be satisfied with having pup get to right in front of you. Repeat the exercise but this time you move backwards after you have called pup so he get to move a longer distance. Remember when you are giving pup a treat also to give him a verbal praise. You should be looking for small improvements in his performance and don't push the length of the session because of his short attention span. Throughout the training you should be consistent and never use other than the simple commands. Also it is better to have two short training sessions than one long.

After pup understand the command and happily comes at the short distance it is time to increase the distance and use a longer 20-foot leash. The use of treats will make the increase in distance easier to handle for pup but you may still have to give him a reminder tuck on the leash while you give the command Come. When he has learned to come without any hesitation it is time to expand the training without the use of a leash. This further training requires a fenced-in yard so pup cannot just wander off. In all the training it is important that you never give a command that you cannot enforce. Until now you have had a leash and in a fenced-in yard you have the means for catching pup so he can be pup back on the leash if required.

After pup has mastered the command Come in the yard without the need for a leash it is time to take the training outside to a quiet area without too many distractions. Since you need to be in control of pup you will keep the long leash on so he cannot run away. If he tries to run you have a much better chance of catching him than if he was free to roam. Even though pup has gotten older remember that he is still a pup and the training sessions should not be too long. Also vary the training with all the commands you have taught him so he won't be bored.

With proper training not only will you have a better time, pup will also be much happier and responsive. Proper training requires consistent commands and the thoughtful use of praise making the whole exercise positive for the puppy. A well-trained dog is happy dog and makes for a happy owner.

You can view our full range of Dog Training eBooks here ...