Training your dog to reliably come when called, also known as recall, is one of the most crucial skills they can learn. It’s a command that can ensure their safety in various situations, but it can also be a challenge. Dogs are naturally drawn to the myriad interesting stimuli in the world around them, and asking them to return to you means interrupting whatever they are currently engaged in. This guide, drawing on expert advice and practical methods, will help you master this essential command.
What You Need to Teach “Come”
To begin teaching your dog the recall command, you will need a few simple items:
- High-value treats (small, soft treats that your dog loves)
- A quiet, distraction-free area, preferably indoors to start.
Steps for Teaching “Come”
The process of teaching “come” should be gradual and rewarding, ensuring a positive association with the command.
- Initial Association: Begin by sitting with your puppy in a quiet space. Say their name or the command word, “come.” Each time you say it, immediately give your puppy a treat. At this stage, your puppy doesn’t need to perform any action; the goal is simply to associate the word with a positive reward.
- Introducing Movement: Place a treat on the floor near you. As soon as your puppy finishes eating the treat on the ground, repeat the command. When they look up at you, give them another treat. Repeat this several times.
- Increasing Distance: Gradually toss the treat a little further away from you. Ensure that when you toss the treat, your dog has to turn their body to face you when they hear their name or the command. Important Note: Avoid repeating your puppy’s name or the command word excessively without a response, as this can make them easier to ignore. If your dog doesn’t respond, move closer to them and revert to a previous step where they can succeed on the first try.
- Adding Movement and Fun: Once your puppy reliably turns to face you, it’s time to introduce more movement and make it a fun game. Toss a treat on the ground and then take a few quick steps away while calling your puppy’s name. They should be motivated to chase after you, especially if they enjoy a game of chase.
- Positive Reinforcement: When your puppy reaches you, offer enthusiastic praise, more treats, or engage them with a favorite tug toy. The objective is to strongly emphasize that coming to you is a highly enjoyable experience.
- Generalization and Progression: Continue building on these steps in new environments and at increasing distances. When training outdoors, it’s advisable to keep your puppy on a long leash initially, ensuring safety in an enclosed area.
Important Considerations for Recall Training
When your dog comes to you, resist the urge to reach out and grab them immediately. For some dogs, this can be a confusing or even frightening experience. If you have a timid puppy, try kneeling down, facing them sideways, and offering treats as you approach to gently take their collar. Crucially, never call your dog if you intend to punish them. Doing so will only teach them that avoiding you is the best course of action. Even if your dog has been up to mischief, always reward them generously for responding to your call.
Kait Hembree, Head of Training at GoodPup, stresses the importance of keeping recall training enjoyable. “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,” Hembree states. “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.” You can explore more about positive reinforcement in dog training here.
Fun Games to Reinforce Recall
Incorporating games into your training routine can significantly enhance your dog’s recall.
- Can You Catch Me?: While on a leash during a walk, get your dog’s attention. Suddenly turn around and run the other way. As your dog begins to move with you, enthusiastically say “come!” After a few steps, stop and reward your pup with a treat or a toy. Note: Before running, ensure your dog is paying attention to avoid startling them or causing them to be yanked by the leash.
- Hide-and-Seek: This is a delightful game for both dogs and their human companions. Hide from your dog in another room, then call out for them to find you. Once your pup successfully locates you, reward them with abundant praise and treats. This game is best introduced after your dog has a good grasp of the basic recall command.
- Hot Potato: Gather two or more friends and equip each person with a high-value treat. Take turns calling your dog between each of you, offering a reward each time they come to the person who called them. This game is excellent for practicing recall with multiple distractions.
Test Your Dog’s Recall Skills
The “come when called” command is recognized as one of the ten essential skills for both puppies and adult dogs to earn the Virtual Home Manners title. For puppies aged 3 months to 1 year, they must reliably come when called from 10 feet away indoors. Adult dogs, from 4 months and older, are expected to come when called from 20 feet away or from another room within the house.
Conclusion
Mastering the recall command requires patience, consistency, and a focus on positive reinforcement. By making training fun and ensuring that coming to you is always a rewarding experience, you build a strong, trusting bond with your dog. Always remember to celebrate their successes, and if you encounter difficulties, consider consulting with a professional trainer or veterinarian. Happy training!
