Recalling your puppy to you is arguably the most crucial command they can learn. This skill not only ensures their safety but also strengthens the bond between you and your canine companion. However, teaching a reliable recall can be a rewarding challenge, as the world is full of fascinating distractions for dogs. Each time you call your puppy, you’re asking them to disengage from something they find interesting, making it essential to make “come” the most rewarding option. This guide will walk you through effective methods to teach your puppy to come when called, ensuring a positive and successful training experience.
What You’ll Need for Recall Training
Before you begin, gather these essential items:
- High-Value Treats: Small, soft, and extra-tasty treats that your puppy absolutely loves. These will serve as powerful motivators.
- A Quiet Area: Start training in a distraction-free environment, such as indoors, to help your puppy focus.
Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching “Come”
The key to successful recall training is positive reinforcement and gradually increasing the difficulty.
- Introduction to the Cue: Begin by sitting with your puppy in a quiet space. Say their name followed by the cue word, “come.” Immediately give them a treat. At this stage, there’s no expectation for them to perform any action; the goal is simply to associate the word with a positive reward.
- Adding a Small Reward: Place a treat on the floor directly in front of your puppy. As soon as they finish eating it, repeat their name and the “come” cue. When they look up at you, offer another treat.
- Increasing Distance: Gradually toss the treat a little further away. Ensure your puppy can still easily turn to face you when they hear their name. Important Note: Avoid repeating your puppy’s name excessively. If they don’t respond, instead of repeating their name multiple times, move closer to them and revert to a step where they can succeed on the first try.
- Introducing Movement: Once your puppy consistently turns to face you, it’s time to add movement and make the game more engaging! Toss a treat a short distance away and take a few quick steps backward, calling your puppy’s name. The anticipation of a game of chase should encourage them to follow you.
- Positive Reinforcement: When your puppy reaches you, shower them with enthusiastic praise, extra treats, or engage them with a favorite tug toy. The objective is to make coming to you an incredibly enjoyable experience.
- Progressive Difficulty: Continue building on these steps by practicing in new locations and increasing the distance. When training outdoors, always do so in a safe, enclosed area. Initially, using a long leash can provide a safety net and help manage the training process.
Essential Considerations for Recall Training
- Avoid Grabbing: When your puppy successfully comes to you, resist the urge to immediately grab them. For some dogs, this can be perceived as frightening or confusing. If you have a timid puppy, try kneeling down, facing them sideways, and offering treats as you gently reach for their collar.
- Never Punish: Crucially, never call your dog to come if you intend to punish them. This will teach them that responding to your call leads to negative consequences, making them hesitant to come to you in the future. Always reward your dog heavily for responding, even if they’ve previously been into mischief.
Kait Hembree, Head of Training at GoodPup, highlights the importance of keeping recall training fun and highly rewarding. “It is critical that we work to ensure a positive and highly reinforced connection to our dog’s recall cue by working to balance the fun with allowing them to at times return to what they were doing originally when we called them,” Hembree states. “Always rewarding for their immediate response when cued; and making sure that the value of their reward is worth what they walked away from to come to us.”
Fun Games to Reinforce Recall
Incorporate these games into your training routine to make recall practice enjoyable and effective.
Can You Catch Me?
During an on-leash walk, capture your dog’s attention. Then, turn and jog in the opposite direction, calling “come!” After a few steps, stop and reward your puppy with a treat or a toy. Safety Precaution: Ensure your dog is looking at you before you start running to prevent them from being suddenly yanked by the leash.
Hide-and-Seek
This game is a delight for both dogs and their owners. Find a hiding spot in another room and call your puppy to find you. Upon discovery, reward them with praise and treats. This game is best introduced once your dog has a solid understanding of the basic recall command.
Hot Potato
Gather two or more friends, each equipped with a high-value treat. Take turns calling your dog, with each person rewarding the puppy when they come to them. This game helps your dog generalize the recall cue to different people and environments.
Test Your Recall Skills
Mastering “come when called” is a fundamental requirement for various canine good citizen programs. For puppies (3 to 12 months), the Virtual Home Manners title requires them to come when called from 10 feet away indoors. Adult dogs (4 months and older) must demonstrate the ability to recall from 20 feet away or from another room. Practicing these skills consistently will not only prepare your dog for evaluations but also ensure their safety in various situations. Consistent practice and positive reinforcement are the cornerstones of building a reliable recall.
