Teaching your dog to “come” when called, also known as recall, is one of the most vital commands they can learn. This essential skill ensures their safety and strengthens your bond, though it can present a challenge as dogs are naturally drawn to the myriad interesting stimuli in their environment. Each time you call your dog, you’re asking them to disengage from their current activity, making consistent positive reinforcement key to success.
The Essentials for Teaching Recall
To effectively teach your dog the recall command, you will need:
- High-value treats: Small, tasty treats that your dog loves and are easy to eat quickly.
- A quiet, indoor space: Start training in a distraction-free environment to help your dog focus on you.
Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching “Come”
Begin by sitting with your puppy and saying their name or the cue word, “come.” Initially, offer a treat each time you say the word, even if your puppy doesn’t do anything yet. This process associates the cue with a positive reward.
Next, place a treat on the floor near you. Once your puppy has finished the treat on the ground, repeat the process. When they look up at you, offer another treat. Continue this repetition, gradually increasing the distance you toss the treat. Ensure your dog has to turn around to face you when you say their name. It’s important to avoid repeating your puppy’s name too often without a response, as this can lead them to ignore it. If this happens, move closer to your puppy and revert to a step where they can succeed at responding to their name on the first try.
Once your puppy reliably turns to face you, introduce movement and make the training a fun game. Toss a treat and take a few quick steps backward while calling their name. Your puppy should be eager to chase you, reinforcing the enjoyment of playing together. When they reach you, lavish them with praise, more treats, or a favorite tug toy. The goal is to emphasize that coming to you is a highly rewarding experience.
Continue to build on these steps in various new locations and over longer distances. When training outdoors, always use a safe, enclosed area. Initially, keeping your puppy on a long leash can be helpful, providing a safety net while allowing them more freedom to move.
Key Considerations for Recall Training
When your dog comes to you, resist the urge to immediately reach out and grab them. For some dogs, this can be confusing or even frightening. If you have a timid puppy, try kneeling down, facing them sideways, and offering treats as you gently reach for their collar. Crucially, never call your dog if you intend to punish them. This will only teach them to avoid you. Even if your dog has been mischievous, always reward them generously for responding to their name or recall cue.
Kait Hembree, Head of Training at GoodPup, stresses the importance of keeping recall training enjoyable. She states, “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. 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.” This expert advice highlights the balance between reinforcing the behavior and acknowledging the dog’s initial activity.
Fun Games to Reinforce Recall
Incorporate these engaging games to solidify your dog’s recall training:
Can You Catch Me?: While on a walk with your dog on-leash, get their attention. Then, turn and run the other way. As your pup starts to follow, say “come!” After a few steps, stop and reward your pup with a treat or a toy. Remember to ensure your dog is actively looking at you before you run to avoid accidentally yanking the leash. Positive reinforcement through rewards is crucial in these games.
Hide-and-Seek: This classic game is enjoyable for both dogs and humans. Find a hiding spot in another room and then call your dog to find you. Once discovered, reward them with praise and treats. This game is best introduced once your dog has a solid grasp of the basic recall command.
Hot Potato: Gather two or more friends, each holding a high-value treat. Take turns calling your dog to come to each person, rewarding them each time they successfully reach the person who called them. This adds an element of fun and multiple positive associations with the recall cue.
Put Your Skills to the Test
Did you know that “come when called” is one of the ten essential skills required for both puppies and adult dogs to achieve the Virtual Home Manners title? For puppies aged 3 months to 1 year, the command must be executed from 10 feet away indoors. Adult dogs, aged 4 months and older, must successfully recall from 20 feet away or from another room within the house.
