The Foundations of Teaching Your Dog Recall

Recall, or having your dog come when called, is a useful skill to teach your dog to come to you in any situation. If your dog is often off-leash, a reliable recall is important ensure their safety. Even on-leash, a strong recall can reduce stress and help you feel more confident in your connection with your dog.

The Training

Step One: Call your dog. Using cheerful tones is more likely to produce a result, and make sure you are loud enough to be heard (especially in busy environments). Remember to actually give the cue (“Fido, come!”); your dog’s name on its own is not a recall.

Step Two: Make yourself interesting! Clap, whistle, squat, throw your arms out and cheer your dog on! When they arrive, have them sit, then give them treats or throw the ball. If appropriate, release them back to whatever they were up to!

The Five Rules of Recall

1. Never call your dog for anything unpleasant: Such as nail clipping, bathing or having his leash clipped on to go home from the park! In short, anything that might give him pause the next time you call him.
2. Never call your dog if you aren’t sure they will come: All recalls should be successful recalls! Work at your dog’s level. Meaning if they have a kindergarten-level recall, don’t give them a graduate assignment like being called away from a cat in a tree.
3. If you call your dog and they don’t come, you must make it happen: Run over to them and put a treat in front of their nose, backing up as you get their attention, so they follow you.
4. Never repeat the cue: Resist the urge to call over and over and over. Your dog will only learn to tune out the cue. Call once, and if necessary, utilize rule 3 above and make the recall happen.
5. Fabulous rewards get fabulous recalls:If you want your dog to stop whatever interesting doggie thing they’re up to and come running to you, make it worth their while! Use extra yummy treats – no dry biscuits here! – or a well-thrown ball, if that’s more their fancy.