How to Teach your Dog to have an Amazing Recall
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This past weekend I taught my parents and sister how to do recall training with their new puppy, Ollie. We all had a blast practicing this at the park and Ollie got started off on the right foot for a solid recall! He did great and responded every time we called for him! Recall is something I start training a new puppy on immediately, and it is a very easy thing for them to pick up and learn.
So, why is having a solid recall on your pup important? Personally, my most important reason is that I want to be able to take my dogs hiking off leash and not worry about them running off. Having a good recall allows them to truly enjoy exploring the trails and nature around them. They can smell all of the smells and run up and down the trail as they please. But, the second I say their recall word they have to come sprinting back to me! If you have no interest in hiking off leash with your dog, there are many other reasons why you should have a good recall on your dog! Most of the reasons revolve around safety. For example, if your dog’s leash or collar breaks on a walk, you can just say ‘Come’ or ‘Here’ and your dog will come to you so you can secure them - no panic or worry involved!
All of that sounds great, but how do you train it?
Here are a few baseline details to keep in mind before I get into the step-by-step instructions:
My first tip is don’t overuse the word you are training. For example, saying ‘come, come, come!’ when your dog has no idea what it means or is ignoring you makes that word have less and less meaning. If you want an immediate response to ‘come!’, use it minimally and show your dog what behavior you want associated with it instead of repeating the word over and over again.
Another key detail is always set yourself and your dog up for success. I ALWAYS carry high value treats on me when hiking with my dogs or taking them anywhere. Even though I have trained a good recall and I trust them, I want them to know there will always be a reward when they listen to my commands.
Finally, whenever training your dog on something new always start with baby steps. Start in a very calm and quiet environment with little to no distractions! Once your dog is successful in that environment, you should do the same exercises in areas with increasing levels of distractions. For example, first train and practice recall in your house or backyard. When your dog is consistently successful with the command in this environment, try it while on a walk around the neighborhood. If you have success there as well, work on recall at a park or dog park. If you have consistent success in all of those areas, your dog is most likely ready to go on an off leash hike! This type of progression is especially important for recall training. It will help you be successful in emergency situations when you really need it!
Now, let’s get into the training!
Things you will need:
~High value treats or reward - Use a treat that your dog can’t resist such as chicken, cut up hot dogs, hamburger, cheese, etc. I’ve even used scrambled eggs! My dogs especially love freeze dried raw treats like these. If your dog isn’t food motivated, try using their favorite toy as a reward!
~A long leash - I use a 50 ft leash like this one here.
~Another person - Ideally you will have another person to help you with the first part of training, if not that’s okay!
Part 1 - Teaching your puppy their recall word / Retraining your dog their recall word
Choose your recall word! I recommend not using their name, because that tends to be overused and have different meanings. For my dogs, their name means check in or look at me. I use ‘Here!’ as my recall word, and that means they physically have to come over to me and to my hands.
Be prepared to make yourself the most exciting and fun thing around - You want your dog to think coming to you is the best thing ever!
Start in a quiet place with minimal distractions and attach your puppy to the 50 ft leash. The leash has two purposes - to redirect your puppy if they aren’t listening and for safety in case your dog starts to wander off.
Have your friend hold your puppy by the collar or physically on the ground, just holding them back from moving around - your puppy will probably squirm but just stay calm!
Start running backwards away from them, and after a few feet say your recall word loud and clear. Your friend should immediately let go of your puppy and hopefully your puppy will sprint over to you! (If you do not have another person around, try tossing a treat away from you to get your pup’s attention. When they are done eating the treat, say your recall word!) If they start running to you say good girl/boy! And reward them with the treats or toy when they get to you. Make a huge deal if they are successful!
If they don’t come to you, do not repeat your recall word and continue running backwards while facing them. That should get their attention and they should chase you and come to you. If not, use the leash to very gently encourage them to move in your direction. If they take a step towards you release the tension on the leash and reward!
Rinse and repeat! Your puppy or dog should think this is the most fun game in the whole world!
Part 2 - Up the Distractions
If your puppy listens to your recall command 99% of the time while following the steps in Part 1 above, it’s time to increase the distractions.
Slowly introduce your dog or puppy to more challenging environments while following all of the same steps in Part 1 above. Examples of more challenging environments are:
Train recall in your front yard where there may be cars going by or people occasionally walking by.
Having a child run around and play nearby, like in the opposite corner of your backyard while you are training.
Practice recall while your dog is performing another main task, such as while taking a walk. They will be focused on a lot of different things on a walk. You will also most likely be passing other people and leashed dogs walking in this scenario as well.
Do not increase the level of distraction or challenge until your dog is 99% successful in the environment you are currently training in. If your dog cannot handle the distractions in a new environment, take a step back and find a less challenging area. You want your dog to be successful and to not get frustrated or over excited!
Please reach out to me for any troubleshooting during this training process! Happy training!
This is Ollie the Whoodle (Wheaten Terrier x Poodle)!
Ollie is had a blast during our training session! Look at him booking it to his Dad!!
And the best part - The Reward!! :P
