Dog Recall Training: How To Teach a Dog To Come

The thought of your beloved dog wandering off, lost in an unfamiliar environment, brings a wave of anxiety to any owner. This concern often centers on their safety, so ensuring your dog returns promptly when called offers peace of mind and protection.

A reliable recall is a critical safety skill that allows for off-leash freedom and prevents dangerous situations. The better the recall, the safer the dog is when off-leash, and the more he can enjoy off-leash freedom with his human. Recall training ensures your dog returns to you in off-leash situations like dog parks.

Reliable recall is important in the event of an emergency. Dog recall training is not just about teaching a trick; it is about establishing a vital safety protocol that safeguards your companion.

What Is Recall in Dog Training?

Dog recall training is teaching a dog to return immediately and enthusiastically when given a specific verbal or visual cue. This specific response to a command is a foundational element of responsible dog ownership. It establishes clear communication between you and your dog, just like teaching them to sit or potty-training them.

The “Come” command keeps your dog safe from traffic and aggressive animals. This behavior is monitored in studies on training approaches. Recall training frequency was one of the behaviors tracked in the study on owner-reported training methods.

Why Teaching Recall to Your Dog Is Crucial

Teaching recall to your dog is crucial for their well-being and your peace of mind. Reliable recall is one of the most important skills a dog can acquire. This skill provides a layer of protection against unforeseen dangers that arise in public spaces.

Having a reliable recall is especially important if you want to allow your dog off-leash outside of a fenced yard or dog park. A solid recall is a valuable behavior for dogs of all sorts, including those who compete in sports or provide therapy or assistance work.

As a backup safety measure, microchip details must be kept up-to-date by law in the UK to help reunite lost dogs. This ensures a chance for reunion even if recall fails, though the aim is to prevent such situations from happening.

Steps of a Reliable Recall

Building a reliable recall requires consistent effort and a structured approach. Positive reinforcement methods are the most ethical and effective for dog training, as proven by research. Control Group 2 (positive reinforcement) achieved significantly better responses to the “Come” command. These steps outline a clear path to achieving a strong recall with your dog.

Establish the Basics Indoors

Start your training in a slow, low-distraction environment, like inside your house. Teaching a dog their name is the first step before adding the recall command. Training should begin indoors or in an enclosed garden with tasty treats.

Select High-Value Rewards

Use high-value rewards like cooked chicken or cheese to keep dogs motivated during recall training. Effective rewards include tiny pieces of cheese, hot dogs, or toys. Make sure to reward your dog with a high-value treat when they get to you.

Introduce the Cue

Choose a short, unique cue like ‘Come’ or ‘Here’ for recall training to avoid a ‘poisoned cue.’ The cue should follow the dog’s name, such as “Fido, Come”. The command “Come” should be given only once in a clear, happy voice.

Increase Distance and Distractions

Practicing with a 15–30 foot long leash allows freedom while still preventing the dog from ignoring cues. Once consistent indoors, use a long training lead to practice recall in a fenced yard or quiet park. Distractions should be added gradually as the dog improves. Gradually introduce mild distractions before higher-level distractions like wildlife or other dogs during practice.

Dog Recall Games to Make Training Fun

Tips for Training Recall

Effective dog training recall relies on understanding common pitfalls and employing strategies that promote a positive learning experience. Negative associations can derail progress, so careful attention to your method is important. Always remember your pup learns best when feeling safe and rewarded.

• Don’t use the recall command for negative experiences to avoid poisoning the cue.
• Never punish a dog that eventually comes, even if they were slow. This creates a negative association with returning to you.
• Owners should not chase their dog if they run away, as this can be seen as a game. Instead, running away from your dog while calling them can encourage them to come to you.
• A common training mistake is to recall your dog and then put the leash on, which can lead to a negative association with the recall cue. Instead, frequently call the dog, reward them, and then release them to return to play.
• Group C dogs (positive reinforcement) showed lower cortisol measures than Group A (e-collar) dogs. Positive reinforcement training was found to pose fewer risks to dog welfare. Avoid aversive methods like e-collars.
• Effective training relies on positive reinforcement to make you the most exciting thing in your dog’s environment.
• Avoid calling your dog when he’s not likely to come to prevent teaching him that your recall cue is meaningless. To avoid poisoning the cue, it is important to ensure the dog is likely to respond before calling them.

Teaching Recall for Dogs FAQs

Understanding the nuances of training dog’s recall helps address common difficulties. These frequently asked questions provide clarity on key concepts for owners.

Conclusion

Building a reliable recall for your dog is an act of care and responsibility. It provides safety in various environments, from a busy intersection to a wide open field. This training strengthens the bond between you and your cherished companion.

To build a reliable recall, we must teach our dogs that being near us is the most fun thing they can do and will bring them the most rewards. Effective training relies on positive reinforcement to make you the most exciting thing in your dog’s environment. This commitment ensures your dog’s well-being.

Training builds a positive relationship between the owner and the dog. You are empowering your dog with freedom while providing them with a critical life-saving skill.