Dog Training

A Dependable Recall

Have you noticed that young puppies come to you almost every time you call them? You think "I don't ever have to worry about my dog running off." Just wait, it will happen to you, it happens to many of us.

When puppies are very young, you are their security and they will run to you when unfamiliar sounds, sights and smells frighten them. As their senses develop they become more confident and begin to explore. During this time they can pick up a scent that is so intense that nothing else matters, least of all you or me.

For a puppy or a dog to have a good recall (come), you have to be more reinforcing than the alluring environment. This means the treats you've been using in the house are not going to work outside, therefore, you have to raise the standard of reinforcement and use it only for this behavior in tempting surroundings. If treats don't entice your pup, find out what motivates him or her and use it especially for recalls.

I'm sure all of us have at one time or another called our dog and proceeded to reprimand him or her for an unwanted behavior or put them in a confined area that they didn't care for. What about yelling at your dog when they finally come because it took them so long to get to you? To your dog "Come" is a cue to avoid, so even if it takes your dog forever to get to you, remain calm and reward him for coming.

Recall Tips

• Prepare your dog's favorite treat in small bites
• Face your dog and when they are looking at you, call their name
• Begin trotting or walking backwards facing your dog
• When your dog is jogging toward you, say "Come" in a very happy voice and continue moving backwards
• Dogs are predators and love to chase, so when he or she is running to you, slow down and let them catch up to you. When they are standing in front of you, praise him and treat
• Repeat this on a regular basis, adding friends and family to the game
• Very quickly your dog will learn "Come" without you walking backwards

Another fun exercise is to call your dog and as soon as they get to you, simply praise and treat them and then let them go on their way. They don't have to do anything for coming and they will soon learn that "Come" is not a threatening word.

These are just a couple of examples to teach your dog a dependable recall. To learn more about recalls and other behaviors, simply click on Services for contact and pricing information.