Cornerstones to a Reliable Recall: Ensuring Your Dog Comes When Called

One of the most valuable commands you can teach your dog is a reliable recall. This simple act of your dog coming when called can mean the difference between a fun outing and a potentially dangerous situation. However, achieving a reliable recall doesn't just happen overnight.

Let’s explore the foundational cornerstones to ensure your dog comes back every single time.

1. Choose a neutral recall word

• Use a command that is not commonly part of your vocabulary. If you say "Come" a lot, then maybe use "Here" instead. One of the most reliable recalls that I ever taught was to the command "Sweeties!"

• Make sure that for the next few weeks, your dog only ever hears that command with something valuable at the end of it, such as a treat, a game, or a toy. This is how you can start building value in your chosen command word to a point where your dog will want to come running every time that they hear it.

2. Start Early and Start in Low-Distraction Environments, Like Indoors:

• You can teach your dog a reliable recall, regardless of their breed, age or background.

• Begin in a controlled, distraction-free environment like your living room. This establishes the basics without the external world pulling their attention and ensures that they are more likely to comply with your request. The more that they comply, the more they will be rewarded, which should make the behaviour more likely to occur in the future.

3. Use High-Value Rewards:

• The key to a strong recall is making the act of returning to you more rewarding than anything else they could be doing.

• Use special treats or toys reserved solely for recall training and ensure that you reward them frequently and consistently in the beginning, slowly tapering rewards out as they get used to the command.

• If they stop showing an interest in returning, it means that your rate of reward and perhaps the value of your rewards need to increase again for a time.

  
  

4. Be Consistent with Commands:

• Whether you use "come," "here," or any other cue, stick to it. Consistency helps your dog understand and respond without confusion.

  
  

5. Always Be Positive:

• Never scold your dog when they come to you, even if it took longer than you wanted. Coming to you should always result in positive reinforcement. Would you want to come to someone who you knew was going to shout at you? Especially when you could be sniffing and exploring something interesting, like the neighbourhood pee-mail pole instead?

6. Practice, Practice, Practice:

• Start by practicing recall on a long lead or retractable lead in various environments. As your dog becomes more reliable, you can progress to safe, enclosed off-leash areas.

• The long or retractable lead gives you a way to get your dog's attention, even if they have found something delectable to sniff. Remember to never get cross with your dog for not coming straight away. Reward heavily when they do decide to return.

  
  

7. Avoid 'Poisoning' the Cue:

• If "come" sometimes means fun things like dinner or treats, but other times means less desirable outcomes (like the end of playtime or nail trimming), the cue can become "poisoned." Your dog might hesitate, wondering if obeying is worth it.

• If this has happened to you, consider starting fresh with a new recall command

  
  

8. Increase Distractions Gradually:

• Once your dog is reliably coming when called in a quiet environment, slowly introduce more distractions. This could mean practicing recall during playtime with other dogs or in busier environments.

9. Use the 'Ping Pong' Game:

• In a safe area, have family members stand some distance apart and take turns calling the dog, rewarding them every time they come. This fun game reinforces recall and provides a great workout!

• You can also do this while out on walks on a long line or retractable lead. Let your dog go sniffing at the end of the line. Once they are distracted, call them back and give them a big reward. Repeat.

  
  

10. Recall in Real-Life Situations:

• Incorporate recall into daily life. Call them back during walks or play times. It's not just about formal training sessions; real-life practice is crucial.

  
  

11. Safety First:

• Until you're confident in your dog's recall ability, avoid potentially dangerous situations. This might mean avoiding off-leash parks near roads or areas with known wildlife.

• Remember that even if your dog is friendly, the dog that they are running up to may not be and an unexpected altercation may not only leave your dog with lasting trauma, but may also negatively impact the other dog involved in the interaction too.

  
  

12. Use your voice and your body:

• If your dog is ever distracted and won't come to you, and you don't have them attached to a lead at the time, try one of the following to get them to come back to you.

• Get down onto your haunches and lower your head a bit

• Go jogging in the opposite direction while calling their name

• Make your voice as high-pitched as possible, while repeating something like "Here, Puppy, Puppy, Puppy!" Whistling works too.

• These are generally great ways of piquing your dog's interest and getting them running back to you. Try a combination of all three if you need to, too!

In Conclusion

A reliable recall is more than just an impressive party trick; it's a cornerstone of responsible dog ownership. By instilling a solid recall foundation, you're investing in your dog's safety, ensuring they can navigate the world confidently and return to you at a single call. With patience, consistency, and an understanding of the underlying principles, any dog can master the art of the perfect recall.

If you’re based in Cork and want hands-on guidance, explore:

• Puppy Training Classes

• Obedience Training

• Behaviour Consultations

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