Reliable Recall In Dogs

Coming back when called is an essential skill that every dog should learn. It helps to keep them safe. It gives them more freedom to perform natural dog behaviours like exploring, playing and chasing. It stops them becoming a nuisance to others; we all know that one dog who runs off and jumps up at every person they see! So how do we teach our dogs to come back when called? Firstly, you need to have the right equipment! You will need some rewards that your dog finds AMAZING. Tasty treats like Natures Menu Beef Treats, or a tug toy like the Air Kong Fetch Stick, or whatever your dog LOVES is what you should use for their reward. While your dog is still learning recall, it is important we prevent them from practising running off. You can do this by using a longline such as the Ancol Outside Training Line or for stronger dogs you could use a horse lunge line. I avoid retractable leads for training as they always have tension on them. Your dog can feel this tension and may only learn to come back if they feel the tension on the lead - which is a bit of an issue when you do graduate to being completely off lead! Long lines should only be used with a harness to prevent injuring your dogs' neck if attached to a collar. An example of a good harness is the Ancol Padded Harness that has a lead connection point at the back, to attach your long line, and a connection point on the chest to attach for loose lead walking. Secondly, you need to start in a quiet, low distraction area such as inside your home. This allows your dog to be fully focused on you giving them a better chance of succeeding. Once your dog has mastered recall in the house you can take the training out into the back garden, before attempting it in a quiet park or field. Gradually build up distractions until your dog will happily recall away from other dogs, people, or sniffing an amazing smell.

Now we come to the actual training.

We need to teach your dog that when they hear their recall cue something good is going to happen near to you. For example if I randomly said "lightbulb" and expected you to come to me, you'd probably be a bit confused and just ignore me! But if I said "lightbulb", gave you £50, and I kept repeating over the next 10 minutes you're more likely to pay attention to me the next time I said "lightbulb". In fact even if you were across the room when I said it, I bet you'd come over to me to get your £50! We can use the same process with your dog to create a positive association with their recall cue.

Top Tips

Supercharge your recall cue. Like a battery, the more you charge your cue the better performance you will receive. Decide on your chosen cue e.g. Come, Here, Sausages. Say it ONCE in a nice happy voice and immediately reward your dog. Repeat this 10 times, pausing in between each repetition for a few seconds. It's important to note that at this stage, we are not asking your dog to do anything. We are simply associating your recall cue with something amazing happening.

Practise some mini recalls. While walking with your dog on a normal short lead, randomly say your recall cue and reward them generously. If you have created a strong association with the cue you should find your dog looks at you as soon as they hear it. If they do not look at you, repeat stage one and try again.

Use games to keep training fun for both you and your dog. One of my favourites is called Scatter Recalls. You will need a longline or be in a secure area where  your dog is safe off lead. Set out three (or more) markers in the environment, these could be cones, flower pots, or use trees at the park. Stand at marker 1 with your dog by your side, say your recall cue and reward with treats on the ground. While your dog is eating run off to marker 2, wait for them to finish eating say your recall cue, when your dog comes to you reward them with treats on the ground. Run off to marker 3, wait for them to finish eating, say your recall cue, when your dog comes to you reward them with treats on the ground. Run off to marker 1, wait for them to finish eating, say your recall cue, when your dog comes to you reward them with treats on the ground.

Start a new habit of always touching your dog's collar or harness after a recall. This will prevent your dog from doing a "fly-by" and make it easier to clip the lead back on. It will also prepare them for any emergencies where you might need to grab their collar or harness quickly. Touch the collar or harness before feeding your dog a treat with the other hand. Progress to gently holding onto the collar or harness a bit longer before rewarding. Keep an eye on your dog's body language as you want them to be relaxed throughout.

Set them up for success and don't call them in situations that are too hard while you're still training. Wait for that little pause in sniffing when their nose comes off the ground, or wait until they voluntarily look at you to increase their chances of success. If you would like some extra help teaching recall, check out my website www.jcdogbehaviourtraining.co.uk to see when my next Reliable Recall Workshop is taking place. Happy Training!

Ancol Outside Training Line

Natures Menu Dog Treat Beef 60g

Kong Fetch Stick With Rope Medium

Ancol Padded Harness