How to Train Your Dog to Come to You Without Saying Their Name

Now that you know all the essentials to prepare for a road trip with your dog, we need to ensure Fluffy is an excellent travel companion. It will be a good idea to brush up on basic obedience commands.  A well-behaved dog will make your trip relaxing and enjoyable.

A critical behavior for your dog to know is to come to you on command. Instead of calling your dog by his/her name, you can teach her the “Touch” cue or game. This exercise works well as a recall exercise. Instead of your dog coming to you after hearing her name, she will touch your palm. For this exercise, you will have your dog off leash and in an enclosed area.

🐾    First, place a treat in between your fingers in one hand (as shown in the figure below). Hold your hand flat, with your palm facing your dog. Please refrain from moving your hand towards your dog.🐾  Encourage your dog to sniff your palm. As soon as you feel her nose touches your hand, click and treat. You may give her the treat you already have in your hand. If you need a refresher on how to use the clicker visit our post on 5 Tips to effectively train & communicate with your dog. Repeat this 5-10 times. 🐾  Next, repeat the exercise again but without a treat between your fingers. Hold your hand flat, with your palm facing your dog. Once your dog touches your palm, click and treat. Repeat this 5-10 times.

🐾  Once your dog can perform this command in a quiet place, you can start practicing in an enclosed outdoor area or use a long line (leash). Although you are going to be asking your dog to perform a known behavior, in this case, “Touch,” since it is in an exciting new environment, it is wiser to regress a little regarding your expectations. In other words, do not show your palm and say the cue “Touch” 20 feet away from your dog and expect your dog to come to you the first time you do it outdoors🐾  Starting with a shorter distance would be wiser. Also, it is okay to use a treat in your hand initially and then gradually remove it. Practice this exercise outdoors at different distances and in the presence of other people.

🐾  If your dog is doing well with the “Touch” cue, ask your friends and family to practice the “Touch” command with your dog. This is a great way to evaluate whether your dog knows the verbal cue and also reinforce what your puppy has learned with you. All of my dogs like to play exercise.  I hope your fluffy friend enjoys learning this fun cue as well.