A strong recall is one of the most crucial behaviors you can teach your dog. It ensures their safety, allows them more freedom, and strengthens the bond between you and your canine companion. While some dogs seem to have a natural inclination to return to their owners, for many, achieving a reliable recall requires consistent, positive training. This guide will walk you through effective methods to train your dog to come when called, making it a happy and reliable behavior.
Understanding the Importance of Recall
Whether your dog participates in canine sports, assists others, or is simply a cherished family member, a solid recall is invaluable. It provides safety when your dog is off-leash and allows them to fully enjoy the freedom of exploring the world with you. The ability to safely enjoy off-leash activities, like hiking, offers a far richer experience for both dog and owner compared to being constantly tethered. train your dog not to jump on you is also a crucial part of recall training, as it teaches them to focus on you rather than being distracted by the urge to jump.
Shifting from Old Methods to Positive Reinforcement
Historically, recall training often involved harsh methods, such as leash jerks and confrontational body language. These techniques could instill fear rather than a genuine desire to return. Modern, positive reinforcement methods focus on making the “come” cue a joyous occasion, ensuring your dog eagerly returns because they want to, not because they have to. This approach creates a happy and reliable response, free from negative associations.
Steps to a Happy and Reliable Recall
The process of teaching a strong recall is rewarding and builds a positive association with the cue. It requires patience, consistency, and high-value rewards.
1. Charging the “Come” Cue
Begin by associating the word “Come!” with something incredibly positive. In a cheerful, loud voice, say “Come!” and immediately reward your dog with a high-value treat, such as chicken or steak. Repeat this many times in various casual settings. Your dog’s eyes should light up at the sound of the cue, understanding that something wonderful is about to happen. If your dog has previously learned negative associations with “Come,” it’s advisable to choose a new cue word to avoid a “poisoned cue.”
2. Running Together
With your dog on a leash, enthusiastically call “Come!” and run away from them for 10-15 feet. Your dog will naturally want to follow you. Reward them with a treat or a quick game of tug-of-war or fetch when you stop. Keeping rewards high-value and unpredictable will make your recalls irresistible. The definition of “fast” will vary depending on your dog’s breed and size, so adapt to their natural running speed.
3. Increasing Distance Gradually
After several days of practicing the above, have your dog a few feet away on leash. Call “Come!” cheerfully and run away. Reward them upon arrival. If your dog stays close, you can scatter a few treats on the ground, walk to the end of the leash, and call them once they finish the last treat. Practice this step consistently for a week or more.
4. Introducing Off-Leash in a Safe Area
Once your dog reliably comes to you when you call and run, begin practicing in a safely enclosed, low-distraction area, like a hallway or a large den. Call your dog when they aren’t immediately engrossed in another activity, reward them with an exciting toy or treats.
5. Avoiding “Poisoning” the Cue
Crucially, avoid calling your dog when they are unlikely to come, such as when they are intensely focused on something else. This can lead to “learned irrelevance” or even “poisoning” the cue. Always ensure you have your dog’s attention before calling. If they don’t respond, try a different sound or wait for their attention before repeating the cue. train dog not to jump up can be incorporated here by ensuring your dog is focused on you before you call them.
6. Utilizing a Long Line
For outdoor practice in safely enclosed areas, use a long line (20-50 feet). This provides safety without the ability to physically pull your dog to you. Continue the pattern of running away and rewarding their return. As they become more reliable, you can face them to greet them when they reach you.
7. Generalizing Off-Leash Recalls
Once your dog consistently comes to you on a long line in a secure area, transition to off-leash recalls in the same location. Continue using high-value, unpredictable rewards. Always call in a cheerful tone and avoid calling when your dog is engaged in a highly rewarding activity.
8. Adding an Automatic Sit
When your dog happily runs to you with just a couple of running steps, introduce an automatic sit. As they approach, face them and use body language (pulling shoulders back, lifting chest) to encourage a sit. Reward them for sitting. If they don’t sit immediately, reward them for coming and then ask for a sit.
9. Teaching Collar Grabs
Once recall-sits are automatic, gently reach for your dog’s collar and offer a treat. Then, engage them in play. This teaches them to happily accept being handled after a recall, preventing the common issue of dogs evading capture. train your dog not to jump on people is closely related, as a dog that readily accepts handling is less likely to jump.
10. Implementing Round Robin Recalls
Involve family members and friends in the training process. Each person should have high-value treats or toys and take turns calling the dog, rewarding them generously each time. This helps generalize the recall to different people.
11. Introducing Distractions
Gradually introduce distractions. Start with mild distractions, like someone standing between you and your dog, and progressively increase the difficulty. If your dog fails to come, it indicates the distraction level is too high. Revert to a less challenging distraction and increase the value of your reward. The goal is to reinforce the desired behavior (coming when called) with rewards that are more meaningful than the distraction. how to train my dog not to jump up can be challenging with distractions, so focus on making your cue more rewarding than the distraction itself.
12. Generalizing to New Locations
Once your dog is reliable in controlled environments, begin practicing in new locations. Use the long line until you are confident in their reliability, even with distractions. When they consistently recall, you can progress to off-leash hikes in safe and legal areas, providing them with the ultimate adventure. training your dog not to jump up becomes more manageable when generalized across various environments.
When Recalls Surprise You
Even dogs with less consistently solid recalls can surprise you. Consistent practice, even with lower-distraction dogs, can pay off in unexpected ways. For instance, a dog that might typically require a long line can demonstrate an excellent recall in an emergency situation due to prior training efforts. This highlights the long-term benefits of dedicating time to recall training.
Resources
- Sandi Thompson, CPDT, owner of BravoPup! of Berkeley, California, for demonstrating these techniques.
- Pat Miller, CPDT, Whole Dog Journal’s Training Editor, author of several positive dog training books.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional training advice. Always consult with a certified professional dog trainer for personalized guidance.
