Teaching your dog to come when called is one of the most crucial skills they can master, yet it can present a unique challenge. Dogs are naturally drawn to the world around them, and asking them to return to you means they must disengage from fascinating sights, sounds, and smells. This guide will walk you through the steps to establish a reliable recall, ensuring your dog’s safety and strengthening your bond.
Essential Tools for Teaching Recall
Before you begin, gather the necessary supplies:
- High-value treats: Small, tasty treats that your dog loves and are easy to eat quickly.
- A quiet indoor area: Start in a distraction-free environment to build a strong foundation.
Step-by-Step Recall Training
- Initial Association: Begin by sitting with your puppy in your chosen quiet space. Say their name or the command word, “come.” Immediately give them a treat. At this stage, they don’t need to perform any action other than hearing the cue. Repeat this, pairing the word with a positive reward.
- Introducing Movement: Place a treat on the floor near you. Once your puppy finishes the treat, repeat the name/cue. When they look up at you, offer another treat. Continue this process until you can gradually toss the treat a short distance away. Ensure your dog can easily turn to face you when you say their name. It’s important to avoid repeating your puppy’s name excessively without a response, as this can diminish its impact. If your dog doesn’t respond, move closer and revert to a step where they can succeed.
- Adding Excitement: Once your puppy reliably turns to face you, make the training more dynamic. Toss a treat and take a few quick steps backward while calling their name. Your puppy’s instinct to chase should encourage them to follow.
- Positive Reinforcement: When your dog reaches you, offer abundant praise, more treats, or engage them with a favorite tug toy. The goal is to make coming to you an incredibly rewarding experience.
- Generalizing the Skill: Gradually increase the distance and introduce new environments. When training outdoors, always use a safe, enclosed area. Initially, a long leash can be helpful to maintain control while allowing freedom.
Key Considerations for Recall Success
- Avoid Grabbing: When your puppy comes to you, resist the urge to grab them, as this can be confusing or frightening for some dogs. If you have a timid puppy, consider kneeling, facing them sideways, and offering treats as you gently reach for their collar.
- Never Punish: Never call your dog to you if you intend to punish them. This will only teach them to fear and avoid you. Always reward your dog heavily for responding to their name, even if they’ve been mischievous. Head of Training at GoodPup, Kait Hembree, stresses the importance of keeping recall training fun and highly reinforced, ensuring the reward is worth what they left behind.
Fun Recall Games
Incorporating games can significantly enhance recall training and make it enjoyable for both you and your dog.
- “Can You Catch Me?”: While on a leash during a walk, get your dog’s attention. Turn and run in the opposite direction, calling “come!” When your dog starts moving with you, stop after a few steps and reward them with a treat or toy. Be sure your dog is attentive before starting to avoid any sudden tugs on the leash.
- Hide-and-Seek: This classic game is excellent for reinforcing recall once your dog has a basic understanding. Hide in another room and call your dog to find you. Reward them with praise and treats upon their successful discovery.
- Hot Potato: Gather two or more friends, each with a high-value treat. Take turns calling your dog to each person, rewarding them each time they successfully reach the person who called them. This helps generalize the command to different people.
Testing Your Dog’s Recall
The “come when called” command is a fundamental skill required for various canine good citizen programs. For puppies aged 3 months to 1 year, success means responding to the cue from 10 feet away indoors. Adult dogs (4 months and older) must demonstrate recall from 20 feet away or from another room, both inside and outside. Mastering this command is not only essential for safety but also a cornerstone of a well-behaved canine companion.
