Coming when Called (Recall)
This month, we are sharing some tips to help improve your dog's recall. If you plan to walk your dog off leash (or if they accidentally get loose) it is very important that they come back when called to keep them out of dangerous situations.
The first rule to recall is that you have to be able to catch your dog. Practice “Gotchas”, grab the collar, then give a treat. On average for every time you attach the leash you should have done 10 “Gotchas”.
Begin practicing on leash to set your dog up for success; they can't go anywhere if you're holding the leash. Call the dog’s name and take a few steps backwards using a fun, happy voice.
Never call your dog unless it is for praise and happy times. If you are upset at the dog don’t call him; go get him. If you sometimes punish your dog when they come to you, they will be less likely to come when called in the future.
Once the dog is responding well you can start to add distractions. Go outside, in the backyard, or to a park and redo the same exercise on leash.
When you see progress outdoors on their regular leash, start using a long line and let your dog slowly go out farther as they succeed with the recalls.
Another exercise to try is called the “Boomerang game”. This is when you call the dog back and forth between two or more people. Each person does a Gotcha and rewards the dog.
The next step is to have your dog loose in a quiet area but pulling a long line, this should be 10 or 20 feet. Call your dog from different distances, always running backwards. If the dog doesn’t come when called, pick up the long line and encourage them to come to you.
Once your dog is succeeding with recalls dragging the long line, add distractions like food, toys and different environments with people or other dogs.
While your dog is learning, it is important to reward their successes. If they are not getting paid for coming to you, they will seek rewards in the environment (playing with another dog, visiting a person, stealing food).
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