The recall, or “coming when called,” is arguably the most critical cue you can teach your dog. While mastering the basic behavior can be achieved in a weekend or an introductory obedience class, achieving consistent reliability in real-life situations is where many owners struggle. Common issues include dogs performing perfectly during training sessions but ignoring commands in distracting environments, or a once-reliable recall gradually deteriorating over time. This guide aims to help you build a recall that you can trust in any scenario.
Understanding Common Recall Mistakes
Several common pitfalls can undermine your recall training efforts:
- Prematurely assuming training is complete: Just as a child learning the alphabet isn’t ready for advanced literature, a dog who knows the word “come” isn’t fully trained. Teaching the basic understanding of a cue is merely the first step.
- Advancing too quickly through training levels: Successfully recalling your dog in a controlled backyard environment doesn’t mean they’re ready for the distractions of a busy dog park. It’s crucial to gradually increase the difficulty, moving through various levels of distraction and environment. Consider these levels as a progression:
- Level 1: Inside your quiet house.
- Level 2: Inside your house with visitors.
- Level 3: Your backyard.
- Level 4: Your street.
- Level 5: A park.
- …and so on, up to highly distracting environments like a hiking trail with potential prey nearby.
Only move to the next level once your dog is proficient at the current one.
- Calling your dog when you doubt their response: Every time you call your dog and they ignore you, the cue is weakened. Avoid calling your dog in a highly distracting situation if you’ve only trained them in a less distracting environment. During the transition between levels, use a long line (at least 20ft/6m) to guide your dog back if they don’t respond.
- Using recall for punishment: Never call your dog and then scold them, regardless of their misbehavior. Your dog will associate the recall cue with negative consequences, learning that “when my human catches me, bad things happen.” This will severely damage the reliability of your recall.
- Recalling for unpleasant activities: This can have the same negative impact as punishment. Avoid using the recall cue for baths, being crated, or leaving the dog park. In these situations, it’s better to retrieve your dog yourself or use a “casual” recall rather than your “sacred” recall cue.
- Relying on bribery: While food rewards are essential, showing the dog the treat before calling them turns it into a bribe. Luring with a treat initially is acceptable for teaching the basic behavior, but you should progress beyond this so your dog doesn’t only come when they see a reward.
Building a Strong and Reliable Recall
The goal is to cultivate a positive emotional response in your dog whenever they hear the recall cue, making them eager to come to you. This can be achieved through consistent reinforcement and engaging training games.
The Power of High-Value Reinforcement
Reinforcement is anything your dog enjoys that encourages them to repeat a behavior. When your dog responds to the recall cue, the reward should be significant. Many owners under-reinforce their dogs, offering mediocre rewards or stopping reinforcement once they believe the dog is trained, leading to a decline in performance. Always ensure your rewards are exceptional.
High-value food rewards, such as plain cooked chicken or steak bits, are highly effective, especially for recalls. While treat value can be adjusted for different training environments, recalls should always be paired with something your dog truly loves. For instance, if your dog is particularly fond of canned cat food, save some for recall practice.
Enthusiasm Through Training Games
Forget tedious, formal drills. Short, engaging training games are far more effective for building reliable behaviors. Games make recalls more exciting than any other activity, strengthen your bond, and teach your dog that you are the source of all good things. Moreover, playing games keeps both you and your dog relaxed and happy, enhancing training effectiveness and speed.
Consider incorporating these game-like exercises:
- Tag: Recall your dog 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, enticing them with sounds or toys. Call your dog as your assistant releases them. Running away as they’re released adds to the excitement.
Beyond Treats: Utilizing Various Rewards
While food is a powerful reinforcer, it’s not the only option. Anything your dog desires in a given moment can serve as a reward. Teach your dog that they receive what they want by doing what you want.
Distraction-Proofing Games: Once your dog has a solid understanding of regular recalls, introduce games that teach them to disengage from distractions. Start with food: toss a treat just out of reach, and when your dog pulls towards it, recall them. Reward them handsomely when they come. Gradually progress to longer leashes in distracting environments, recalling your dog and then releasing them back to sniffing or playing with other dogs or people.
Consistent Practice is Key
The more successful recalls your dog performs, the more reliable the cue becomes. Aim for several short, five-minute training sessions daily, interspersed with random “reps” throughout the day.
Informal Practice: Dogs can distinguish between formal training and casual interactions. Practice recalls outside of structured sessions. When your dog is relaxing, call them and then immediately engage in a fun activity, such as going to the kitchen for a treat or starting a play session with their favorite toy. This reinforces the idea that coming to you is always a rewarding experience.
For a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to building an unwavering recall, consider the Super Recall online course. It offers video tutorials, additional techniques not covered here, access to community forums, and a progress tracking system. Click here to learn more.
