How To Teach Your Dog A Reliable Recall

Teaching your dog a reliable recall is one of the most important skills you can develop. A solid recall ensures your dog’s safety and allows for more freedom during off-leash activities. We will cover essential recall games, tips, and the importance of practice to help you and your dog master this crucial command.

The Law

In the UK, it is against the law to have your dog off-lead if it does not have a reliable recall. Even if your dog is the friendliest dog in the world, an unreliable recall can lead to dangerous situations. Your dog could run into a busy road, causing a serious accident, or approach other dogs that might not be comfortable with unfamiliar dogs. It does not matter how big or small your dog is; safety and control are paramount. Using a long-line trailing behind your dog provides a safer alternative, allowing them some freedom while ensuring you can maintain control in unpredictable situations.

The Importance of Practice

Consistent practice is key to developing a reliable recall. Regular training sessions in low-distraction environments will help your dog understand what is expected. Gradually increase the level of distraction as your dog becomes more proficient. Allowing your dog to make mistakes, such as running off without a long-line, undermines your training efforts. Each time your dog gets away with ignoring a recall command, they learn that this behaviour is acceptable, making it more likely to happen again. Consistency is crucial in recall training. Ensuring your dog does not have opportunities to make such mistakes reinforces good behaviour and strengthens their response to commands. Using tools like a long-line helps prevent these mistakes, ensuring your dog understands the importance of coming when called, every time.

The Power of Positive Reinforcement

Your dog should not see recalling to you the end of something fun like sniffing or chasing a bird, instead they should see it as the start of something fun and exciting! Using positive reinforcement is crucial when training recall. Reward your dog with high-value treats, praise, or a favourite toy every time they come to you. This makes the recall command a positive experience and encourages your dog to respond eagerly. 

Long-Line Training:

Use a long training line to practice recall in open areas. Allow your dog to roam and then call them back. If they ignore you, pick up the line and give a gentle nudge back towards you. If they continue to ignore you, then keep pulling them back consistently till they get to you. Practice calling them back when they are busy sniffing or staring at a distraction. If you have friends or family with dogs, practice this while they are playing with the other dog. 

Recall Games and Techniques

Incorporating games into your training sessions makes learning fun and engaging for your dog. Here are some effective recall games and techniques:

  • The Name Game: Call your dog’s name in an excited tone and reward them when they come to you. This helps them associate their name with positive outcomes.

  • Hide and Seek: Hide in different locations around your house or yard and call your dog. Reward them when they find you. This game reinforces the recall command and makes it fun for your dog to come running.

  • Round Robin Recall: With family members or friends, take turns calling your dog and rewarding them for coming. This helps your dog learn to respond to the recall command from different people.

  • Catch and Release: Call your dog, reward them, and then release them to go play again or start a game with them using a toy. This teaches your dog that coming to you doesn’t always mean the end of fun activities. 

Managing High-Distraction Environments

As your dog becomes proficient in low-distraction settings, gradually introduce more challenging environments. Start with moderately distracting areas and work up to high-distraction situations. Always reinforce positive behaviour and be patient as your dog learns to respond in different settings. It's even better if you can set up realistic scenarios at home with friends or family. For example, someone is holding food and you let your dog sniff the hand but practice recalling them away from it. Then practice while your dog is playing with a toy, or other dogs.

The Use of Recall Cues and Signals

Incorporate verbal cues and signals to enhance your recall training. Use a specific word or phrase, such as “come” or “here,” consistently. Pair it with a hand signal for added clarity. Consistent use of cues helps your dog understand what is expected. I recommend using a command for recall that you won't overuse in the home to avoid the novelty of the command from wearing thin. For example, I use "qua" meaning 'Here' in Italian - realistically you could use any word like 'Apple' for your command!

Incorporating the Recall Command into Daily Life

Make recall training a part of your daily routine. Consistent practice in everyday situations reinforces the recall command and helps your dog understand its importance.

Teaching your dog a reliable recall takes time, patience, and consistent practice. By incorporating fun games and positive reinforcement, you can make recall training enjoyable for both you and your dog. Remember, each training session is an opportunity to strengthen your bond and improve your dog’s behaviour. Stay patient, stay positive, and celebrate the small victories along the way.

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