The recall, or “coming when called,” is arguably the most crucial cue you can teach your dog, yet it’s often one of the most challenging to master. While teaching the basic behavior might take just a weekend, achieving reliability in real-life situations is where many owners struggle. This article delves into common pitfalls and provides effective strategies to build a recall command you can truly depend on.
Why Dogs Learn to Ignore the Recall
Several common mistakes can lead to a dog that ignores the recall command:
- Prematurely Assuming Training is Complete: Just as a child who knows the alphabet isn’t ready for advanced literature, a dog who knows the “come” cue isn’t fully trained. Basic understanding is only the first step.
- Rushing the Training Levels: Progressing too quickly through different environments—from a quiet house to a busy park—can overwhelm your dog. It’s essential to master each level of distraction before moving to the next. For instance, a dog might perform flawlessly in your backyard but fail in a more distracting park setting.
- Calling Your Dog When You’re Unsure They’ll Listen: Every time you call your dog and they ignore you, the cue is weakened. Avoid calling your dog in situations where you know they are unlikely to respond. When transitioning between training levels, use a long-line leash to ensure you can maintain control if they don’t obey.
- Using the Recall for Punishment: Never call your dog to scold or punish them, regardless of their misbehavior. Your dog will associate coming to you with negative consequences, undermining the recall command.
- Calling for Unpleasant Reasons: Similar to punishment, using the recall for activities your dog dislikes, such as baths or being crated, can have the same negative effect. In such cases, it’s better to retrieve your dog yourself or use a casual, less critical recall cue.
- Bribery vs. Reward: Showing your dog a treat before calling them can be seen as bribery, making them reliant on a visible reward. While luring with a treat is acceptable in early stages, the goal is for your dog to come regardless of whether they see the reward.
How to Build a Strong Recall
The key to a strong recall is making it an incredibly positive experience for your dog, fostering an enthusiastic “Oh, hell yes!” response. This can be achieved through two main strategies: reinforcing the behavior generously and building enthusiasm through engaging training games.
Reinforce Generously
Reinforcement is anything your dog finds rewarding that encourages them to repeat a behavior. When your dog comes to you, the payoff should be significant. Many owners make the mistake of using mediocre rewards or stopping rewards once they believe the dog is trained, leading to a decline in performance. Always ensure your rewards are high-value.
High-value food rewards, such as cooked chicken or even steak bits for extraordinary situations, are excellent for building strong recalls. Your dog should always receive the best treats for coming to you, regardless of the training environment.
Build Enthusiasm with Training Games
Instead of long, tedious drills, focus on short, fun training games that make recalls more exciting than any other activity. These games not only improve your dog’s recall reliability but also strengthen your bond, as your dog learns to associate you with positive experiences. Games help keep both you and your dog relaxed and engaged, making training more effective.
Game Ideas for Enthusiastic Recalls:
- Tag: Get your dog’s attention, recall them, and then run in the opposite direction. Reward them when they reach you by dropping a treat on the ground. Continue by running away and calling them again.
- Flying Treats: Call your dog as usual, but instead of handing them the treat, throw or roll it across the floor once they reach you.
- Restrained Recalls: Have an assistant hold your dog’s collar while you move away. Tease your dog with noises, clapping, or a toy to build excitement. When they are eager, give the recall cue, and have your assistant release them. Running away as they are released can add to the fun.
Beyond Treats: Using What Your Dog Desires
While food and toys are excellent rewards, remember that anything your dog wants in a given moment can be used as a reward. This approach helps “distraction-proof” your dog. Start by tossing a treat just out of reach, then recall your dog. If they ignore you, gently reel them in with the leash and reward them heavily when they reach you. As your dog progresses, you can apply this to situations like recalling them from sniffing interesting smells on a walk or from playing with other dogs or people.
Practice Makes Perfect
Consistent practice is crucial. Aim for multiple short training sessions (5-10 minutes) throughout the day rather than one long one to prevent boredom. Additionally, incorporate recalls into informal, everyday situations. When your dog is relaxing at home, randomly call them and then follow up with a highly rewarding activity, like playing with their favorite toy or getting a special treat. This helps your dog understand that the recall cue can lead to rewarding outcomes at any time.
For those seeking more comprehensive guidance, resources like the “Super Recall” online course offer step-by-step video tutorials, advanced techniques, community support, and progress tracking to help you build an exceptionally reliable recall. Click here to learn more and enroll.