Teaching your dog to “come” when called, also known as a reliable recall, is arguably one of the most crucial skills you can impart to your canine companion. In a world brimming with fascinating scents, intriguing sights, and exciting sounds, asking your dog to disengage from their current exploration and turn their attention towards you can be a significant challenge. The key to fostering a dependable recall lies in making your presence the most engaging and rewarding experience for them. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and strategies to ensure your dog eagerly rushes to your side whenever you call.
Understanding Reliable Recall
A “reliable recall” signifies a near-perfect response rate, where you can be virtually certain your dog will respond enthusiastically to your call. While dogs aren’t machines and absolute guarantees are impossible, striving for consistency is paramount, especially for a lifesaving command like recall. A robust recall is indispensable if you dream of allowing your dog off-leash adventures outside a secure, fenced area or in designated dog parks. It’s also a critical safety net in unforeseen emergencies.
Alternatives for Safe Exploration
If you’re not yet confident in your dog’s recall, there’s absolutely no shame in keeping them safely leashed. Instead, explore opportunities for play in enclosed spaces or consider using a long leash. These options allow your dog to explore and exercise while maintaining a secure connection with you.
Brussels Griffon standing in the grass on leash.
Regardless of your dog’s recall proficiency, always respect local leash laws. This applies to your front yard, any unfenced areas on your property, and public spaces like local, state, and national parks, which typically have specific regulations.
The Foundation of Recall Training
Making training sessions fun and game-like is a cornerstone of effective recall training. Begin in a low-distraction environment, such as inside your home. Start by showing your dog a favorite dog toy or a highly desirable tasty treat. As they approach you, offer enthusiastic praise, and then immediately reward them. After a few successful repetitions, once your dog begins to move towards you instinctively, introduce your chosen verbal cue (e.g., “come,” “here”). It’s crucial to only add the cue when you observe your dog already showing intent to move towards you.
Gradually increase the challenge by asking for the recall before revealing the reward. When your dog reaches you, provide a high-value treat such as cooked chicken, cheese, or beef liver. Simultaneously, begin increasing the distance within your controlled, low-distraction setting.
Engaging Recall Games
Catch Me: While your dog is on a leash, get their attention, then turn and jog a few steps away. As they follow, use your recall cue. After a short distance, stop and reward with a treat or toy. Before initiating this game, ensure your dog is focused on you to prevent any sudden leash jerks.
Find Me: Once your dog is grasping the recall concept, you can enhance their speed by calling them from another room. When they locate you, lavish them with praise and rewards. This game, akin to hide-and-seek, is a fantastic way to bond and reinforce recall.
Hot Potato: Involve family members or friends, arming them with high-value treats. Position yourselves a short distance apart and take turns calling your dog. Reward your dog each time they successfully come to the person who called them.
A common pitfall in recall training is calling your dog, immediately attaching the leash, and heading home. This can inadvertently teach your dog that recall signals the end of fun, diminishing their future eagerness to respond. A more effective strategy is to recall your dog, offer praise and a treat, and then release them to resume their previous activity.
Avoiding “Poisoned Cues”
If your dog’s recall response sounds like a desperate plea of “Come! Come! Come! Please come!”, you might be dealing with a “poisoned cue.” This often happens unintentionally when a cue’s meaning becomes ambiguous or when it’s consistently associated with negative experiences for the dog, leading them to ignore it. The simplest way to poison a cue is through overuse, repeating it endlessly without a response.
Cocker Spaniel running in the yard.
In such cases, the most effective solution is to introduce a new verbal cue. For instance, if “come” has been overused, switch to “here” or “close.” Return to the foundational steps of training and introduce the new recall cue as if it were entirely new to your dog.
Essential Recall Training Tips
One Cue is Enough: If you find yourself repeating the recall cue, the environment might be too distracting, or your dog may not have a solid enough grasp of the skill for the current training level.
Reward Eye Contact: When you notice your dog glancing at you or naturally moving closer, offer verbal praise and a treat. While you may use many treats initially, this reinforces a crucial lesson: your dog’s attention and proximity lead to positive outcomes.
Never Punish a Recall: Even if your dog takes their time responding, always praise them when they finally come to you. Frustration should never lead to punishment after they’ve responded to the call.
Generous Rewards are Key: During recall training, consistently use high-value treats and toys. This is particularly important when your dog is still learning. Always reward the recall to ensure they associate coming to you with receiving something wonderful.
Daily Practice, Gradual Progression: Incorporate recall practice into your daily routine, slowly increasing the difficulty and the level of distractions. Rushing the process can confuse your dog and lead to unreliability.
Emergency Recall Strategy: If you need your dog to recall in an emergency situation and they are not coming, do not chase them. This often turns into a game of chase, encouraging them to move further away. Instead, try running away from your dog; this may pique their instinct to chase after you.
Mastering the “come” command is an ongoing journey that requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. By implementing these strategies and making training a rewarding experience, you’ll foster a strong bond with your dog and ensure their safety and your peace of mind.
