Training your dog to come when called, known as recall, is arguably the most crucial skill they can learn. It’s a command that ensures their safety and your peace of mind, especially in potentially distracting environments. The challenge lies in teaching your dog that responding to your call is more engaging and rewarding than any other activity. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to build a reliable recall that you can count on.
What Constitutes a Reliable Recall?
A reliable recall means you have a near-certainty – around 99.99% – that your dog will enthusiastically respond when you call them. While dogs aren’t machines and absolute guarantees are impossible, the goal is to achieve the highest level of consistency possible for this vital, potentially lifesaving skill. This is particularly important if you envision allowing your dog off-leash in unfenced areas or in emergency situations.
Alternatives to Off-Leash Freedom
If you’re not yet confident in your dog’s recall abilities, there’s no need to worry. Keeping your dog on a leash is a responsible choice. Consider using a long leash to give them more freedom to explore while remaining secure, or opt for designated fenced areas like a dog park. Always remember to respect local leash laws, which apply in your front yard, unfenced property areas, and most public parks.
The Art of Training Recalls
To make recall training effective and enjoyable for your dog, transform it into a game. Begin in a low-distraction setting, such as inside your home. Start by getting your dog’s attention with a favorite toy or a high-value treat. As they approach you, offer praise. Once they are moving towards you, introduce your chosen verbal cue, like “come” or “here.” Only add the cue when you are confident your dog is already responding.
Gradually increase the challenge by asking for the cue before presenting the reward. Ensure you are using high-value rewards such as chicken, cheese, or beef liver to make the association strongly positive. As your dog progresses, slowly increase the distance within your controlled environment.
Engaging Recall Games
- Catch Me: While on leash, get your dog’s attention, then run a few steps away, calling “Come!” or your chosen cue. Stop and reward them when they reach you. Ensure your dog is paying attention before you run to avoid any sudden leash jerks.
- Find Me: Once your dog is comfortable with recall, you can build speed by calling them from another room. Shower them with praise and rewards when they find you. This game of hide-and-seek is incredibly fun for both you and your dog.
- Hot Potato: Gather family members or friends, arm them with high-value treats, and spread out. Take turns calling your dog to come to each person, rewarding them each time.
A common mistake is to call your dog, immediately leash them, and head home. This can teach your dog to associate recall with the end of fun activities. To counter this, try recalling your dog, rewarding them, and then releasing them back to their previous activity before ending your training session.
Avoiding “Poisoned Cues”
Repeatedly calling your dog with phrases like “Come! Come! Come!” can lead to a “poisoned cue,” where the command loses its meaning or gains a negative association. This often happens unintentionally through overuse or when the dog consistently ignores the cue. The most effective solution is to introduce a new verbal cue, such as “here” or “close,” and start the training process from the beginning with this new command.
Essential Recall Training Tips
- Minimize repetition: If you find yourself repeating the recall cue, the environment might be too distracting, or your dog may not yet fully grasp the skill at that level of difficulty.
- Reward eye contact: When your dog naturally looks at you or chooses to be near you, offer verbal praise and a treat. Initially, use treats generously to reinforce that paying attention to you leads to positive outcomes.
- Never punish a recall: Always praise your dog when they come to you, regardless of how long it took them.
- Consistent Rewards: Utilize high-value treats and toys during recall training, especially in the initial stages. You want your dog to strongly associate coming to you with receiving something great.
- Daily Practice: Gradually increase the difficulty and distractions. Rushing the process can confuse your dog and diminish reliability.
- Emergency Recall Strategy: If you need to recall your dog in an emergency and they don’t respond, avoid chasing them, as this can prolong the “game.” Instead, try running away from them to encourage them to chase after you.
