If at any point your puppy challenges you on this command, which is likely to happen, go back a step and use the leash. This command should not be repeated over and over again without the proper behavior being delivered, as in ‘come-come-come'. That will only desensitize your puppy to the command. If your puppy is not responding, that's a sign that you need to go back a step in the training. You should also make certain that everyone involved in the training of your puppy uses the exact same command. Your spouse should not be saying ‘Come here' while you're saying ‘Come'. You should also never punish your dog for failing to come to you, or call him over to correct or punish him. You do not want him equating coming to you with negative things or he'll likely never come to you again.

Though the use of treats are not necessary, they can assist in training as this command is a very difficult one for many dogs to learn. It's suggested that you start off with praise alone and, if this does not work, incorporate treats into your training. Obviously, treats can increase your appeal in your dog's eyes, which is often important when your dog is surrounded by other distractions. Though most experts recommend that the use of treats with training be restricted to the learning phase only, most agree that this command is the one exception to that rule.

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