Tuesday Training Byte: Teaching a reliable recall

Recall is another way of saying "come". I prefer the command come as it has its own unique sound, versus "here" which may sound too similar to "heel". This is one area that many owners complain that they are having difficulty. A dog that won't come is frustrating! In setting my dog up for success, I make sure that my dog does not have the option of ignoring me because I have him on a leash or long line. This command could literally save your dog's life should he get loose near a busy street. To begin, I have my dog on a long line in the house where there is minimal distraction. I wait until he is wandering away from me, and not paying me any attention. Then I call, "Prince, Come!" in an excited voice while clapping my thighs. When he gets to me I mark the behavior with a "yes" and immediately give some treats and praise. You must make it worth your dog's while to stop what he was doing to come to you. Do not drill your dog because it will lose excitement for him. If you have the space while he is still on a long line, male it into a game of come and get me. Many dogs have at least some prey drive and will enjoy chasing you, especially if there are pets and treats involved when he catches you. Once you dog is doing this well in the house, try it in the back yard, still on the long line and equipped with plenty of tasty treats. Be sure to not take your dog in and end the play right after you call him to come, or he will associate the command with the game and fun is over. If you are nearly ready to go inside, just sit down and give your dog some gentle petting or a belly rub for a few minutes before heading inside. Once your dog is reliable in the back yard, try the front yard or driveway, but if the distractions make it difficult, start in the house again. I do not call my dog to come if he is off leash and there is no way to enforce the command. Just sit calmly on the step or porch until your pup comes to you on his own (no command). Make a big deal out of it "Yes! Good come!" before clipping on the leash to go inside. I keep a treat jar inside the door, so my dogs learn that coming back inside equals treats. Happy training! Pictured are my three male dogs demonstrating their recall off leash in our large pasture.