Teaching your dog to come when called, known as recall, is one of the most crucial obedience skills they can learn. It’s a command that can ensure their safety and your peace of mind, especially if you wish to allow them off-leash in appropriate areas. However, dogs are naturally drawn to the myriad interesting stimuli the world offers, making it a challenge to teach them to disengage from their current activity and return to you. The key to a reliable recall lies in making yourself the most exciting and rewarding option for your dog.
A reliable recall means you have a very high degree of confidence, around 99.99%, that your dog will enthusiastically respond when called. While dogs aren’t robots, this level of consistency is achievable with dedicated training. This skill is paramount for off-leash play in safe, designated areas like fenced yards or dog parks, and it’s a vital emergency command.
For those not yet confident in their dog’s recall, there’s no shame in keeping them on-leash. Consider using a long leash in secure locations to offer them more freedom to explore while maintaining safety. Always respect local leash laws, which apply to your property if unfenced and public spaces like parks.
Effective Recall Training Strategies
Making training a game is fundamental to teaching a reliable recall. Begin in a low-distraction environment, such as inside your home. Initially, engage your dog with a favorite dog toy or a high-value treat. As they move towards you, offer enthusiastic praise and ensure they are rewarded. After a few successful repetitions, start introducing your chosen verbal cue, like “come” or “here,” just as your dog begins to move towards you. It’s crucial to only use the cue when you are confident they are already motivated to come.
Progress by asking for the recall before revealing the treat. When they reach you, reward them with something exceptionally appealing, such as chicken, cheese, or beef liver. Gradually increase the distance within your controlled environment, always ensuring success and positive reinforcement.
Fun Recall Games to Enhance Training
- Catch Me: While your dog is on a leash, gain their attention, then run a few steps away. As they follow, use your recall cue. Stop after a short distance and reward them with a treat or toy. Ensure your dog is focused on you before starting to avoid startling them.
- Find Me: Once your dog understands the basic recall, you can practice in different rooms by calling them to find you. Lavish them with praise and rewards upon their arrival. This game mimics hide-and-seek, making training enjoyable for both of you.
- Hot Potato: Involve family members or friends. Have them stand apart, each holding high-value treats. Take turns calling your dog, rewarding them each time they come to the person who called.
A common pitfall in recall training is immediately leashing your dog and ending the session once they return. This can teach your dog that coming to you signifies the end of fun activities, potentially reducing their eagerness to respond in the future. A better approach is to recall, reward, and then release your dog to continue their previous activity, reinforcing that coming to you leads to positive experiences and continued fun.
Addressing “Poisoned Cues”
If your recall command sounds like a drawn-out plea, such as “Come! Come! Come! Come! Please come!”, you might be dealing with a “poisoned cue.” This often happens unintentionally when a cue becomes unclear or develops negative associations for the dog, leading them to ignore it. Overusing a cue without a response can also poison it.
The most effective solution is to introduce a new verbal cue. For instance, if “come” has been overused, switch to a new word like “here” or “close.” Return to the foundational steps of training to teach this new cue, starting in a low-distraction environment.
Essential Recall Training Tips
- Avoid Repetition: If you find yourself repeating the recall cue, the environment is likely too distracting, or your dog hasn’t fully grasped the skill at that level of difficulty.
- Reward Eye Contact: When your dog looks at you or chooses to be near you, offer verbal praise and a treat. Initially, generous rewards reinforce the valuable lesson that paying attention to you brings good things.
- Never Punish a Recall: Always praise your dog when they come to you, even if it took them a while. Frustration should never lead to punishment.
- Reward Generously: Use high-value treats and toys, especially during the learning phase. Consistent rewards help your dog associate coming to you with highly positive outcomes.
- Practice Daily: Gradually increase the difficulty and distractions. Rushing the process can confuse your dog and diminish recall reliability.
- Emergency Recall: If you need your dog to recall in an emergency and they are not coming, avoid chasing them, as this can turn it into a game of evasion. Instead, try running away from your dog; this natural instinct often encourages them to chase after you. By implementing these strategies and remaining patient, you can build a strong and reliable recall for your canine companion.
