Teddy’s Top Training Tip & Bonus Biscuit 12/05/17

dog training tip

Recall is not difficult to teach, but it’s difficult to maintain.

One of the main aspects of training your puppy and dog is to come back when called. Many times, I have heard that owners have attended classes or had a specific one to one training on this issue, but still, they say, “My dog doesn’t come back when called”.

Instead of focusing on the way, perhaps we need to look at the how. Some dogs will only perform the recall exercise in class or at home in specific areas, such as the garden. When adults are young puppies they do not want to leave their owner’s side, therefore leading the owner into a false sense of security that the recall has been trained.

Why a dog will not come back:

  • It does not understand the recall exercise.
  • The dog is always put on the lead when the owner calls the dog back.
  • The owner uses many forms of words or phrases to get the dog back, for example, “what’s this”, “Barney comes here”, “Get here”, ”Noooooooo”, whistling the dog, using other devices because they look to work on other dogs, and so on.
  • The puppy and/or dog find it more interesting to “play” with other dogs.
  • The owner does not interact with their dog out on a walk.
  • Time is needed to develop a good recall and practice is the key.

How a recall should be taught and maintained:

  • Be specific with what the word(s) or phrase that you are going to use.
  • There are many stages to recall and this takes time to practice and develop – more than just a training course.
  • Practice a recall every day or every time you take your dog out on walk. Then practice again at home.
  • Teach a dog a release command – otherwise you have the treat and run dogs or stanch and grab dogs (they come back for a treat, but are gone as quickly as they appeared).
  • Look at how you are teaching your dog a recall – are you using the same word or phrase to ask the dog to follow you, come in from the garden, come for its dinner – if so you are effectively devaluing your recall for your dog out on a walk.
  • Look at the breed of dog you have and work with the dog’s natural instincts on recall.
  • Always reward the recall – high value treats, toys, games, etc.
  • Be interactive with your dog – if your dog/puppy plays at the beginning of your walk with another dog – this is a high value reward to them.
  • Use recall games to help teach and maintain your recall.

What is good recall and why should you maintain it:

  • It means your dog can be let off lead safely.
  • Any recall has stages to the process – it allows both the owner and the dog to understand what is required.
  • Have fun with recall and let your dog know that it is more fun to come back to you.

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