Teaching recall can start from day one!

Having a dog come when called is not only convenient but also important for their safety. I approach “Come” from two different angles – structured and fun. The first thing we need to do is make sure that we load that word “come.” Meaning we need to build a positive association with “come.” If you feel you have been using this word too much and they are fully.

Ignoring it then let's use something else like “here.” To start this, get a super yummy treat and just say “come” and when they come to you “yes” or click and treat. Make sure to start off super easy. I will even just have the dog next to me and take a step or two away, say come and when they do, treat. My goal at this time is for them to hear the word “come” and get excited that a treat quickly follows. We are not asking them while they are distracted or even away from you at this point.

Once you feel like they have a positive association with the word “come,” as in they perk up when they hear you say it, then we will start to work with it at a distance. Again, we will start off easy and close. While inside, call them often and highly reinforce. When they are distracted in the house, like chewing on a toy, call them to you and treat. Once you are getting a pretty good response in the house then we will head into the yard.

When we go outside it is going to be harder because now you are competing with unlimited distractions. I would suggest starting on a 6-foot leash. If they aren’t going to come to you at the end of the leash, chances are they won’t if you give them the freedom to run the yard. Whatever yummy treat you were using inside, I want you to find something even better for outside. Once you found the treat that will keep their attention outside go back to step one of saying “come” and having them follow you. Once they are doing this well drop the leash (assuming you are in a fenced in yard). This gives them a little more freedom while giving you the management tool to pick the leash up if they decide to run from you. If you aren’t in a yard then throughout this whole process I would suggest upgrading to longer and longer leashes.

Coming when called takes a ton of practice and I honestly never stop reinforcing it. I want them to expect a treat when coming when called so that they will drop on a dime to turn and come back.

Here are some rules when it comes to getting a reliable recall:

Never call your dog and then do anything he will perceive as negative. This way his association with “come” is 100% positive. For example: You cannot punish a dog for running away. Once you get to them if you punish them, you are now punishing the reunion. The only time to correct a dog running away is before it happens.

Once they are free, you should throw them a party when they come back. This will help them return faster in the future.

Good luck and have fun teaching your dog to have bullet proof recall. Happy Training!!

Please contact us if you have any questions on this these tips. For more information please visit www.newmansdogtraining.com.

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