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"Come!" - The Command That Could Save Your Dog's Life (+ Pro Tip About Treats)

Let Me Tell You a Story That Changed My Perspective

It was the summer of 2018. I was at the park with my client Tom and his Labrador retriever, Max. Max was 8 months old, energetic as a rocket, and... well, not very obedient.

Suddenly Max saw the cat. And decided that he MUST greet it. He broke free from his leash and charged across the park straight towards the street.

Thomas shouted, "MAX, COME!"

And you know what? Max stopped. He turned around. And ran back. A meter away from the street where the car was speeding.

That day, the command "Come!" saved Max's life. And I realized - it's not just a command. It's life insurance for your dog.

Why is "Come!" the Most Important Command?

Okay, I'll be honest. Most people think that "Sit!" or "Lie down!" are the most important commands. They look impressive when you want to show off to your friends.

But "Come!"? It's a command that:

  • Can save a life - like in Max's case
  • Allows you to walk your dog off-leash - safely
  • Reduces stress - for you and your dog
  • Strengthens the bond - the dog learns to trust you
  • Gives freedom - for the dog and you

I always say: if your dog only knows one command - let it be "Come!"

Pro Tip: Secret Weapon - Wet Food!

Okay, now I'm going to share a pro tip that I use with all my clients.

Wet food is a SUPER treat for training. Especially for puppies. And here's why:

Why Does Wet Food Work Miracles?

  • Intense sense of smell - the dog can smell from afar, even when there are distractions
  • Moist and delicious - much more appealing than a dry treat
  • Healthy choices are real food, not just a treat
  • Ideal for puppies - soft, easy to chew
  • Economical - one bag = many workouts

How to Use Wet Food for Training?

Here is my method, which works great:

1. Take One Bag of Wet Food

For example:

2. Divide into 4-5 portions

One bag = 4-5 training sessions per day. This means:

  • 85g bag ÷ 4 = about 20g per session
  • 140g bag ÷ 5 = about 28g per session

3. Use Strategically

Not every workout - only when you REALLY need motivation:

  • When you are training a new team
  • When there are many distractions (park, other dogs)
  • When a dog has trouble focusing
  • When you want a "breakthrough" in training

4. Combine with Regular Treats

My system:

  • 80% of the time: Regular treats or dry food
  • 20% of the time: Wet food (super reward!)

The dog never knows when he will get that "super prize" - it keeps him motivated!

How to Teach "Come!" the Right Way: My 5-Step System

Okay, now for the specifics. This system works. I've used it with hundreds of dogs. From Chihuahuas to German Shepherds. From puppies to 10-year-olds.

The only condition: you have to be consistent. Every. Single. Day.

Step 1: Make Yourself the Most Interesting Thing in the World

Week 1 - At Home, No Distractions:

  1. Pick up the BEST treats or wet food
  2. When the dog looks at you, say "Come!" in a happy voice.
  3. When he comes (even if it's just two steps) - CELEBRATE! Treat, praise, play
  4. Repeat 5-10 times a day

Pro Tip: Use wet food 1-2 times out of 5 - this will be a jackpot moment!

Step 2: Add Distance

Week 2 - Still at Home:

  1. Go to the next room.
  2. Say "Come!"
  3. When the dog comes running - CELEBRATION!
  4. Gradually increase the distance

Step 3: Add Distractions

Week 3 - Backyard or Quiet Park:

  1. Long leash (5-10 meters)
  2. Let the dog explore
  3. When he is busy with something, say "Come!"
  4. If he doesn't respond - gently pull the leash
  5. When it comes - HOLIDAY! Use wet food here!

Step 4: The Real Test

Week 4-6 - Park with Distractions:

  1. Still on a long leash
  2. More distractions - other dogs, people, smells
  3. Shout "Come!" in different situations
  4. Use wet food for GREAT arrival!

Step 5: Freedom (But Smart)

After 6-8 Weeks - If Everything Goes Well:

  1. Run off-leash in a safe place
  2. Start with short periods of time.
  3. Shout "Come!" every few minutes
  4. Always reward - sometimes with wet food!

Real Stories

Lina and Beagle Jackie

After 8 weeks of working with my system and wet food as a super reward , Lina sent a video: Jackie is exploring the bushes, she says "Come!", and he IMMEDIATELY comes running.

Her secret? Wet food for GREAT arrival. And LOTS of patience.

Rasa and Puppy Max (3 Months)

After 3 WEEKS, Max would come running even when he saw other puppies playing.

"That wet food really works wonders. You can smell it from 10 meters away!" - said Rasa.

Practical 30 Day Plan

Week 1: Basics at Home

  • 5-10 times a day "Come!"
  • Regular treats 4 times
  • Wet food 1 time (super reward!)

Weeks 2-4: Progress

  • Increase the distance
  • Add distractions
  • Wet food for best results

What You Will Need

Required:

Puppy food by size:

The Last Word

When your dog comes running to you, even when there are a million interesting things around, it's an incredible feeling.

And that wet food tip? It's the secret to hundreds of successful training sessions. One bag can make all the difference.

Get started today:

  1. Order wet food
  2. Say "Come!"
  3. Give wet food
  4. Repeat tomorrow

If you need help - I'm here . Write how you're doing!

With love for dogs,
Dmitry

PS The first time your dog comes running ignoring distractions - send a message. I bet you used wet food!

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