Recalling your dog is one of the most crucial commands they can learn, yet it can be one of the most challenging. Dogs are naturally drawn to the world around them, and asking them to return to you means interrupting whatever fascinating activity they’re engaged in. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and fun games to ensure your dog reliably comes when called, reinforcing a strong bond between you. Dog recall training is fundamental for their safety and your peace of mind.
Essential Tools for Teaching Recall
Before you begin, gather these simple items:
- High-value treats (small, palatable, and exciting for your dog)
- A quiet, distraction-free indoor space to start.
Step-by-Step Recall Training
Follow these steps to build a solid recall foundation with your dog:
- Introduction to the Cue: Begin by sitting with your dog in a quiet area. Say their name or the recall cue (“Come!”).
- Positive Association: Immediately upon saying the cue, give your dog a treat. At this stage, they don’t need to perform any action; the goal is simply to create a positive association with the word.
- Immediate Reward: Place a treat on the floor near you. Once your dog finishes the treat on the ground, say their name or the cue again. When they look up at you, give them another treat.
- Increasing Distance: Gradually toss the treat a little further away. Ensure your dog can still easily turn to face you when you say their name. Important Note: Avoid repeating your dog’s name excessively without a response, as this can lead them to ignore it. If your dog doesn’t respond, move closer and revert to a step where they can succeed.
- Adding Movement: Once your dog consistently turns to face you, introduce movement to make the game more engaging. Toss a treat and take a few quick steps away while calling your dog. They should be motivated to chase you, especially if they enjoy games.
- Reinforce with Enthusiasm: When your dog reaches you, offer enthusiastic praise, extra treats, or engage them with a favorite tug toy. The objective is to make coming to you a highly enjoyable experience.
- Generalize to New Environments: Continue practicing these steps in various locations and at increasing distances. When training outdoors, especially in a safe, enclosed area, start with your dog on a long leash for added security.
Key Considerations for Recall Training
- Avoid Grabbing: When your dog comes to you, resist the urge to grab them, as this can sometimes be confusing or even frightening for them. For timid dogs, consider kneeling, facing sideways, and offering treats as you approach to gently take their collar.
- Never Punish: Never call your dog if you intend to punish them. This will teach them to associate coming to you with negative consequences, making them more likely to avoid you in the future. Always reward your dog heavily for responding to the recall cue, even if they have misbehaved previously.
Kait Hembree, Head of Training at GoodPup, highlights the importance of keeping recall training fun and rewarding. She states, “It is critical that we work to ensure a positive and highly reinforced connection to our dog’s recall cue by working to balance the fun with allowing them to at times return to what they were doing originally when we called them. Always rewarding for their immediate response when cued; and making sure that the value of their reward is worth what they walked away from to come to us.”
Fun Games to Enhance Recall
Incorporate these games to make recall training enjoyable and effective:
Can You Catch Me?: While on a leash, walk your dog and then suddenly turn and run in the opposite direction. As your dog begins to follow, use your recall cue. After a few steps, stop and reward your dog with a treat or a toy. Safety Precaution: Ensure your dog is paying attention before you start running to avoid them being abruptly pulled by the leash.
Hide-and-Seek: This is a delightful game for both you and your dog. Hide in another room, then call your dog to find you. Reward them generously with praise and treats once they locate you. This game is best introduced once your dog has a solid grasp of the basic recall command.
Hot Potato: Gather two or more friends, each equipped with a high-value treat. Take turns calling your dog, with each person rewarding the dog when they come to them. This helps your dog understand that coming to different people is also rewarding. Rewarding your dog at the right moments is key to their understanding.
Testing Your Dog’s Recall Skills
The “come when called” command is a fundamental skill recognized in various dog training programs. For instance, it’s one of the 10 required skills for the AKC Virtual Home Manners title. Puppies aged 3 months to 1 year must demonstrate recall from 10 feet away indoors, while adult dogs (4 months and older) need to recall from 20 feet away or across rooms, both inside and out. Consistent practice, especially with commands like teaching a dog to walk on a leash, contributes to a well-behaved companion.
For dogs struggling with pulling on the leash, understanding recall can also be beneficial. Resources like how to stop your dog pulling on a leash and how to stop a Labrador puppy pulling on the lead offer complementary training advice. If you’re facing persistent challenges, seeking guidance on how to stop your dog pulling when walking or addressing the issue of “my dog pulls me on the leash” can be very helpful.
Mastering recall is a rewarding journey that strengthens your partnership with your dog. By using positive reinforcement and making training fun, you can build a reliable recall that ensures their safety and deepens your bond. If you’re looking for professional guidance, consider reaching out to a local dog training center for expert assistance.
