The Come and Here Cue - Canine Curiosity Dog Training

The cues “Come” and “Here” are both forms of the Recall Cue. Like the Cues “Wait” and “Stay” they have different requirements but with similar training goals. Instead of Duration the Come and Here cue differ in distance. It is important to note that any form of recall, especially Come takes 8-10 months to have a solid recall. This means clear, consistent communication to the dog on what Come means and reinforcing it. Along with training it in new and distracting environments.

Practice Come and Here Cues in different enviroments to solidify the cues.

“Come” Cue

This cue should be used mainly in safety or emergencies. It is also the longer or further distance recall cue. For example, a dog escapes from the backyard or house down the road, you would say “dogs name, come” and they should return to you. Something to point out, a majority of owners struggle with the Come Cue as they expect the dog to know what it means in all situations just because they learned it in a 6-week group class. This is not the case, dogs do not generalize cues. That is why trainers encourage you to practice basic cues in many different situations and with the proper safety tools.

“Here” Cue

This is the smaller distance recall. Used when your dog is no more than 10-20 ft away from you in not safety-related situations. These situations include: getting away from a child or another dog in or in public, calling to a meal, calling to go home from a dog park or play date, etc. This should be your main source of recall. Come is only used in emergency/ safety situations.

Here is a great cue to ensure your dog is safe in close situtaions. Your dog should be sitting close in front of you and looking at you.

Teaching Here and Come Cues

Both cues are taught in the same way. The only difference is the cue word and hand signal used.

Hand Signals

It is important to use hand signals with these cues to ensure that you can see the command if your dog cannot hear you. Hand signals can be customized per dog but everyone involved in the dog’s life needs to be on the same page.

Come: Tap your thighs with both hands twice

Here: Point to the area in front of your feet

Using a long line to ensure your dog is held accountable for Come and Here is Curcial so they learn the cues properly.

Train the Cues

Have a pocket or handful of treats readily available.

Place your dog on a long line by attaching it to their harness (Link to a long line in the post from Amazon or Chewy – 10-30 ft)

Let your dog explore their surroundings even if it’s their own backyard, we want them to get away from us to teach the cue.

1. Say “Dogs Name, Come or Here” then use your hand signal (depending on the distance you are calling them from)

2. As they begin to come towards you, mark with the bridge word “Yes”

3. When they get to you, ask for a sit, gently grab their collar

4. Reward with treats.

*If your dog does not come towards you when you ask them to, reel them in like a fish on the long line. I recommend an easy walk harness or front clip harness to teach this cue so we are not pulling on their necks* (link to easy walk harness)

*Starting at a shorter distance may help dogs who need a little more focus control, still on the long line, or even their normal 6ft flat leash works as well. *

Off Leash Recall is possible but need to be in a fenced in safe place to ensure the cue is not sour in the dogs mind.

DO NOT USE A RETRACTABLE LEASH FOR THIS CUE

Come is a foundational cue all dogs should be trained on. Whether you keep your dogs in a fenced-in yard their whole lives or plan to take them out on adventures. Dogs can escape fenced-in yards or their homes, nothing is 100% guaranteed with dogs. This is a REQUIRED Cue for anyone planning to take their Dog off-leash. Not every dog is friendly and we need to respect that.