When responding to 'come' training, what should you do if the dog does not come?

When responding to 'come' training, what should you do if the dog does not come?

• A. Ignore him.
• B. Call his name louder.
• C. Do a light collar grasp and encourage him to come.
• D. Put him in timeout.

Answer: (C)

When training recall, the best approach when a dog doesn’t come is to guide him back with a gentle, brief touch and then reinforce the behavior with a strong, positive reward. A light collar grasp serves as a safe, non-punitive way to redirect the dog toward you, especially if he’s distracted or wandering too far. Once he returns, immediately celebrate with enthusiastic praise and a high-value treat or a game. This reinforces that coming when called leads to something enjoyable, which strengthens the habit over time. Ignoring the dog teaches that coming is optional, which undermines recall. Calling louder can increase stress or arousal and doesn’t reliably bring him back if he’s focused elsewhere. A timeout is punitive and can damage trust, making future recalls less willing. Keep the touch gentle and brief, then pair the return with clear, rewarding consequences, and practice in short sessions with gradually greater distance and distraction. The aim is a reliable recall where coming back feels rewarding and safe for the dog.

When training recall, the best approach when a dog doesn’t come is to guide him back with a gentle, brief touch and then reinforce the behavior with a strong, positive reward. A light collar grasp serves as a safe, non-punitive way to redirect the dog toward you, especially if he’s distracted or wandering too far. Once he returns, immediately celebrate with enthusiastic praise and a high-value treat or a game. This reinforces that coming when called leads to something enjoyable, which strengthens the habit over time.

Ignoring the dog teaches that coming is optional, which undermines recall. Calling louder can increase stress or arousal and doesn’t reliably bring him back if he’s focused elsewhere. A timeout is punitive and can damage trust, making future recalls less willing. Keep the touch gentle and brief, then pair the return with clear, rewarding consequences, and practice in short sessions with gradually greater distance and distraction. The aim is a reliable recall where coming back feels rewarding and safe for the dog.