Improving Your Dog’s Recall.
Getting your dog to come back reliably, can be a challenge for some dog owners. However, with some patience, it is possible to make improvements in most cases. Recall is one of those things that needs reinforcing throughout your dog’s life. Holidays4Dogs offers some advice on how to improve your dog’s recall response.
Recall training is something that many dog owners struggle with. However, teaching your dog to reliably come back to you, is one of the most important skills your dog can learn. It is also crucial your dog is well-behaved and is never considered to be, ‘dangerously out of control in a public space‘ – since this is against the law.
It can be hard to distract some dogs, (and puppies!) from other more exciting things going on around them. Indeed, the aim is to try and be the most exciting thing on the planet to your dog. This, coupled with consistent positive training and motivation, will go a long way to achieving a reliable recall.
Tip : Set your dog up for success.
After being indoors, perhaps for several hours, your dog is going to be raring to go on their next walk. However, if they have been bored and unoccupied for a long period beforehand, they are more likely to be distracted away from the house.
He, or she, may want to race off in search of fun and games the minute you let them off the lead. If you engage with your dog throughout the day, the more chance there is they will focus on you, once you leave the house. This will help when attempting to improve your dog’s recall. More about setting your dog up for success here.
Choose high value rewards.
You need to get your dog to understand that coming back to you equals – a high value reward. A tasty chicken treat, perhaps, or a game with a ball, or tug toy.
Some dogs will be more motivated than others to come back when called. Hounds, for instance, can be challenging when it comes to recall. Once they get their noses onto a scent, they can be tricky to distract.
Therefore, it is really important they are rewarded with something super yummy. Try to vary the type of reward too. This way, there is less chance of the dog getting bored and choosing something better over that same old treat!
A good way to start training is to use a cue word, or sound, or perhaps even a whistle while you are at home. Use your word, or sound, and then immediately reward your dog. At this point, your dog doesn’t actually have to come to you – you are pairing the sound with the treat. Every time the dog hears the sound, they will know a tasty treat is coming. Soon, you will find your dog is paying attention when you say the word.
Chase the treat game.
Another good game to play, which helps with attention and recall, is this one. Give your dog a treat from your hand. This helps to initially get your dog’s attention. Next, show your dog another treat, then toss it to the left and let the dog get it. The second the dog turns back towards you, use your cue word such as ‘come’. As your dog reaches you toss another treat out to the right.
You can show the dog you have the treat in your hand before throwing it, to encourage your dog to come in fast.
As soon as the dog turns back to you again – praise, or use your cue word. Repeat several times. You will quickly find your dog is turning back to you very quickly for the next reward. This exercise builds focus and attention onto you and is a sound basis from which to improve your dog’s recall.
Start training in the house, then the garden, then somewhere quiet away from home and gradually add distractions (like other dogs). If you are not confident your dog won’t run off – use a long line.
Catch me if you can!
Running away from your dog is often a great motivator for your dog to chase you! Many dogs get excited by movement. When your dog is looking away, change your direction or pace and watch how your dog pays attention. Most dogs will be wondering what you’re doing. If your dog is less bothered, use treats.
Drop a treat on the ground and step away. Your dog will probably look around for you for more treats. Drop another treat where you are and then take a few more steps away. If you need more time to create more distance, drop a handful of treats on the ground – this gives you more time to get further away, faster. Remember, if you are worried your dog will run, have a long line trailing.
Softly, softly, catchee monkey…..
Don’t expect to have a 100% good recall overnight. Improving your dog’s recall will take time. Teaching your dog to be reliable off lead won’t happen instantly and you may not ever get to the 100% point. Make sure you start recall training over short distances and gradually introduce distractions.
Never punish your dog; no matter how long they take to come back to you. If a dog is shouted at when they do eventually return, they may very well take longer next time.
Know when to put your dog on the lead.
Being able to walk with your dog off the lead is great, but it is important to know when to use the lead. In addition, it’s important to be mindful of your dog’s own character and limits. Don’t forget, you may not ever feel confident that your dog will come back 100% of the time. However, to keep your dog safe, while being a responsible owner – always keep your dog on a lead until you are sure it is safe to let he, or she, off.
Long lines are ideal for dogs who lack a solid recall. Long leads provide a better experience of being free.
It is a good tool to use while you are improving your dog’s recall, as the lead can be grabbed if the dog does not respond. You can read about training with a long line here.
Even if you think your dog is well trained, accidents can happen. A dog may decide – in a split second – to take off after another dog, (or squirrel!). If that happens to be across a road – the consequences could be dire.
Also, while your dog might be friendly – other dogs may not be so sociable.
You should always be ready, – and able – to get your dog back on the lead, This is especially so, if you see other dog walkers. Other dogs may be reactive, or they may be in training, elderly, or infirm.
Conclusion.
Improving your dog’s recall training can take a lot of patience and consistency. However, with the right approach that works for your dog – it makes for a better relationship and a stronger bond between you and your four-legged pal.
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