In this lesson you will teach your dog to come under distracting situations. Why should you proof the come command?

  • Safety in dangerous situations such as a rabbit darting out into the street. You want your dog’s response to the come command to override their instinct.
  • Proofing the come command is useful in all dog competitions as there are many distractions outside the ring.

Process

Proofing with toys

  1. Start with your dog on a long-line (10-15 foot leash).
  2. Place toys on the ground.
  3. Ask your dog to sit and stay.
  4. Keeping the long-line taut, step back several feet.
  5. Issue the come command.
  6. Bring the dog in to you with treats and the long-line.
  7. Grasp your dog’s collar and reward.
  8. Slowly increase the distraction by moving to different areas (i.e. front yard, park, etc).

Proofing with other dogs and people

  1. Start with your dog on the long-line.
  2. Ask your dog to sit and stay.
  3. Have your training partner walk-by at approximately 15 feet of distance with a friendly dog (on leash) or making distracting noises (here puppy, puppy) and offering treats.
  4. Issue the come command.
  5. Bring the dog in to you with a treat and the long-line.
  6. Grasp your dog’s collar and reward.
  7. Slowly increase the challenge by having your partner play with their dog.

Tips

  1. Increase distractions slowly and keep training sessions short.
  2. It is important to grasp the collar to desensitize your dog so that you can easily grasp the collar in dangerous situations.
  3. Good time to think about the quality of treats.

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