Why Your Dog Must Have a Solid Recall

Teaching Recall:

1. Start Simple:
   
   

   • High value treats: Choose a food reward that your dog really likes such as freeze dried treats, fresh chicken or string cheese and for dogs that are not very food motivated, use a favorite toy as the reward for returning to you.
     
     

   • Recall word: Think of a word that you want to use as your Recall such as “Here” or “Home” or “Come”.
     
     

   • Short distances: Begin the training in a low-distraction environment like your living room or kitchen. Using a happy, enthusiastic voice let your dog smell the tasty treats first, then toss one out and as your dog goes to eat it say your recall word, toss another piece and do the same thing so that your dog starts to associate receiving something delicious and hearing your recall word.  When your dog has done at least 10 repetitions of this it is time to add a little distance.  Step about 5 feet away from your dog, call his name and then your recall word and the moment he starts to run to you praise him, when he gets to you dispense 3 treats to him rapidly, one at a time.
     
     

2. Gradually increase your distance and add distractions:
   
   

   • When your dog is reliably coming to you from 5 feet away gradually increase the distance between you and your dog.
     
     

   • When he is coping well with an increase in distance then start to introduce minimal distractions like other people standing around or noises in the background.
     
     

3. Practice in Different Environments:
   
   

   • Only when your dog is reliably returning to you inside around some distractions then start to vary where you are doing your recall training.  Take it out in the backyard or go to a park and practice in a hockey or tennis court.  If going to an external environment I would advise having your dog on a 20 ft or 30 ft line to keep him safe.
     
     

   • It is also important to practice in different weather conditions if you live in a place that has the seasons.
     
     

   • As your dog’s recall improves then it is the time to gradually increase the level of distractions.
     
     

4. Always Reward:
   
   

   • Remember this is a new and very important skill that you are teaching your dog so reward him every single time he comes to you when called and be consistent in doing that.  Continue to be enthusiastic and as well as the food or toy reward when he returns to you giving praise and petting him is equally important
     
     

   • Avoid Punishment at all costs
     
     

   • If your dog doesn't come, calmly lure him back with treats or a toy.  This is where in an external environment when your dog is in the learning phase and does not have a solid recall it is important to have him on a long line for safety.
     
     

   • Never punish your dog for not coming when called as this can create fear and mistrust between you and make the recall worse.
     
     

5. Important Considerations:
   
   

   • Recall is an ongoing process which requires consistent practice and reinforcement.  Work through each step of the training process slowly and only move to the next step when your dog is ready.
     
     

   • Some dog breeds may find recall more challenging than others because of what they are genetically wired to do such as working and hunting dogs with strong scent drives like Blood Hounds, Beagles, Labradors, Siberian Huskies to name few. Be patient and understanding with your dog and set them up for success.
     
     

   • Never let your dog off-leash in an unsafe or uncontrolled environment until they have a reliable recall.