The ability to recall your dog, or have them come when called, is arguably one of the most critical safety and obedience skills they can learn. However, many dog owners find this training a significant challenge, primarily because the world offers so many fascinating distractions that often capture a dog’s attention more than their owner’s voice. Each time you call your dog, you’re asking them to disengage from whatever they are doing, which can be difficult for them to do. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and provide engaging games to help solidify this vital command.
What You Need to Teach “Come”
Before you begin, gather these simple training aids:
- High-value treats (small, easily consumed)
- A quiet, distraction-free indoor space
Steps for Teaching “Come”
The foundation of a reliable recall is built on positive reinforcement and making the act of returning to you incredibly rewarding.
- Initial Association: Start by sitting on the floor with your puppy. Say their name or the command word “come.” Immediately offer a treat. At this stage, there’s no expectation for your puppy to move; the goal is simply to associate the word with a positive reward. Repeat this several times.
- Adding a Small Movement: Place a treat on the floor directly in front of you. Once your puppy finishes eating it, repeat the command “come” and offer another treat. When they look up at you after eating, give them another treat.
- Increasing Distance: Gradually increase the distance you toss the treat. As you do this, ensure your puppy can easily turn to face you when you say their name. It’s crucial to avoid repeating your puppy’s name too often without a response, as this can teach them to ignore it. If they don’t respond, move closer and revert to a step where they can be successful.
- Introducing Movement and Play: Once your puppy reliably turns to face you, begin incorporating movement to make the game more exciting. Toss a treat, then take a few quick steps away while calling your puppy’s name. The chase element should encourage them to run after you.
- High-Value Rewards: When your puppy catches up to you, shower them with praise, extra treats, or engage them with a favorite tug toy. The objective is to create a strong, positive association with returning to you.
- Generalizing the Command: Continue practicing these steps in various locations and with increasing distances. When training outdoors, always do so in a safe, enclosed area. Initially, using a long leash can provide a safety net while building confidence.
Important Considerations for Recall Training
When your dog 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, facing them sideways, and offering treats as you gently reach for their collar. Never call your dog if you intend to punish them, as this will teach them to avoid you. Regardless of any mischief they may have gotten into, always reward them generously for responding to your recall command.
Kait Hembree, Head of Training at GoodPup, stresses the importance of keeping recall training fun and engaging. “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.”
Make Recall Training Fun with Games
Incorporating games can significantly enhance your dog’s enthusiasm for recall training.
Can You Catch Me?
During a regular walk on leash, get your dog’s attention. Suddenly turn around and run the other way. As your dog begins to follow, excitedly say “come!” After a few steps, stop and reward your pup with a treat or a toy. Ensure your dog is paying attention before you start running to avoid any sudden tugs on the leash.
Hide-and-Seek
This game is enjoyable for both you and your dog. Hide in another room and then call out for your dog to find you. Upon being found, reward your dog with abundant 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 and provide each person with a high-value treat. Take turns calling your dog between each person, rewarding them each time they come to the person who called them. This reinforces that coming to any directed person is a positive experience.
Test Your Skills
Did you know that “come when called” is one of the ten essential skills required for both puppies and adult dogs to earn the Virtual Home Manners title? For puppies aged 3 months to 1 year, they must reliably come when called from 10 feet away indoors. Adult dogs, aged 4 months and older, must demonstrate the ability to come when called from 20 feet away or across rooms, both indoors and outdoors.
