The recall, or “coming when called,” is arguably the most crucial command you can teach your dog. However, it’s also one of the most challenging to master reliably. While teaching the basic behavior is straightforward, ensuring your dog responds when it truly matters requires dedication and the right approach. Many dog owners struggle with their dogs performing perfectly in training sessions but ignoring the command in real-life situations, or their dog’s responsiveness deteriorating over time. This guide will delve into the common pitfalls and provide a comprehensive strategy to build a recall you can depend on.
Understanding Why Dogs Learn to Ignore the Recall
Several common mistakes can undermine your recall training efforts:
- Prematurely assuming training is complete: A dog may learn what “come” means in a controlled environment, much like a child learning the alphabet isn’t ready for advanced literature. Basic obedience training is just the first step.
- Rushing the progression: Moving to more distracting environments before your dog is proficient in simpler ones can lead to failure. Training should be approached in progressive levels, from a quiet house to a busy park or hiking trail.
- Calling your dog when you doubt their response: Each time you call your dog and they ignore you, the command is weakened. It’s crucial to only call your dog when you are reasonably sure they will respond, especially when transitioning between training levels. Using a long line can help manage situations where your dog might not listen.
- Associating the recall with punishment: Never call your dog to scold or punish them. Even if they were misbehaving, they will only learn that coming to you results in negative consequences, not that they are being punished for a specific action like running away.
- Using the recall for unpleasant activities: Calling your dog for a bath, to be crated, or to leave a fun environment like the dog park can create negative associations. In such cases, it’s better to retrieve your dog yourself or use a separate, less “sacred” cue.
- Bribing instead of rewarding: While rewards are essential, showing the dog the treat before calling them is a bribe. Luring with a treat in the early stages is acceptable, but the goal is for the dog to come without seeing the reward first, as they should anticipate a high-value reward upon arrival.
How to Build a Strong and Reliable Recall
The objective is to cultivate a strong, positive emotional response in your dog whenever they hear the recall cue. This can be achieved through consistent reinforcement and engaging training games.
The Power of Reinforcement
Reinforcement is anything your dog finds rewarding that encourages them to repeat a desired behavior. When your dog responds to the recall cue and comes to you, the payoff must be significant. Many owners under-reward their dogs, using mediocre rewards or stopping reinforcement once the dog seems trained. This leads to a decline in performance. Always ensure your rewards are exceptionally valuable.
High-value food rewards, such as cooked chicken or even steak bits for particularly challenging situations, are highly effective. Using something your dog absolutely loves, like canned cat food for some dogs, can be a powerful motivator. It’s important to use these high-value rewards consistently for recalls, regardless of the training environment.
Engaging Training Games for Enthusiasm
Instead of tedious, formal drills, incorporate short, fun training games. Games make training enjoyable for both you and your dog, fostering a stronger bond and teaching your dog that coming to you is more exciting than any other activity. This positive association makes recalls more reliable. Games also help you stay relaxed and happy, which dogs respond to positively, making training more effective.
Fun Recall Games:
- Tag: Get your dog’s attention, call them, and run in the opposite direction. When they reach you, drop a treat on the ground. As they eat, run away again and call them once more.
- Flying Treats: Call your dog, and instead of handing them the treat, throw or roll it across the floor.
- Restrained Recalls: Have an assistant hold your dog’s collar while you move away. Engage your dog with noises or toys, then give the recall cue as your assistant releases them. Running away as they are released adds to the excitement.
Beyond Treats: Expanding Your Reward System
While food rewards are powerful, they aren’t the only option. Anything your dog desires in that moment (within reason) can serve as a recall reward. This teaches your dog that fulfilling your request leads to them getting what they want.
Distraction-Proofing Games:
Start with food rewards when your dog is on leash. Toss a treat just out of reach. Call your dog, and if they ignore you, gently reel them in with the leash. Reward them generously when they reach you. Progress to using a long line during walks, stopping occasionally to call your dog. Praise and then release them back to their activity, whether sniffing or playing with other dogs or people.
Consistent Practice is Key
The more successful recalls your dog experiences, the more reliable the cue becomes. Aim for short, frequent training sessions (two to three 5-minute sessions daily) to prevent boredom. Incorporate single recalls randomly throughout the day during less formal situations. When your dog responds outside of a structured session, make it extraordinary by providing a high-value treat or engaging in their favorite game. This demonstrates that coming to you is always rewarding.
Seeking Further Assistance
For a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to building an unbreakable recall, consider an online course like “Super Recall.” These courses often include video tutorials, advanced techniques, community support, and progress tracking to help you achieve reliable recall with your dog.
