Alexandria, VA – Do you want a dog who comes when called? Every time you call them? A reliable recall can be a lifesaver for a dog that has escaped from the house or is off its leash. It can also offer your dog more freedom in off-leash, unfenced areas.
Having the confidence that your dog will come back to you in any situation, regardless of distractions, is genuinely reassuring. At the same time, coming when called is one of the more challenging behaviors to teach our dogs.
If you want a dog who responds the minute you call their name and then bounds to you when they hear their recall word, practice this list of games and exercises that will help set you and your dog up for success and build a reliable recall for the life of your dog:
Name Game: Start by grabbing a few tasty treats, and when your dog isn’t looking at you, say your dog’s name in an upbeat tone. Mark the behavior of your dog turning its head to you with a clicker or verbal marker, such as “yes,” and give them a treat. We want to build value in your dog, orienting to you with immediacy, what we call a “whiplash” turn. Most importantly, only associate your dog’s name with good things. Otherwise, your dog will hesitate if they are unsure whether you are calling their name to come to you or because they are doing something you don’t like.
Also, when playing this game, call your dog’s name only once each time. We want them to respond when we say their name one time. If they don’t respond, use other sounds, such as a kissy noise, a whistle, “pup-pup,” or a clap, to get your dog to turn its head towards you. Next, say your dog’s name and their recall word, “come,” in a positive, upbeat tone, and mark and reward. Your dog does not have to do anything. It’s pure classical conditioning. They hear their name, the word comes, and good things happen. Again, we are building value in their name and the word “come.” Think of it as putting money in the bank.
The Power of Proximity: Having a dog that chooses to stay close and be near you, regardless of distractions in the environment, is key. Drop a treat in front of your dog and take a few steps away from them while they eat it. If your dog chooses to come to you, mark it with a clicker or verbal marker, such as “yes,” and place their reinforcement on the floor or ground in front of them. Then, take a few steps away. When they show up, mark it and place another treat down. Practice this throughout your house, and then take it outside. If your dog doesn’t come to you right away, make a kissy noise or tap your leg until they realize the value of being close to you.
Collar Grab: If your dog gets loose outside of your home, their response may be let’s play the “chase me” game. After all, dogs love a good chase. Unfortunately, this can put your dog’s safety in jeopardy. Instead, make your hands come toward them, and you grab their collar; it’s a really fun and rewarding game.
Use a Long Line: Before working on recalls off-leash, add a 30- to 50-foot-long line to your training repertoire. This way, you can practice your recalls at different distances with different distractions. Never jerk or pull at the long line. If all else fails, walk your hands back to them on the long line, then go back to practicing these recall games in a less distracting environment. If your dog is having difficulty, lower the distractions, raise the value of the reinforcers, give your dog a break, and try it again later.
Always use high-value treats, such as chicken, cheese, hot dogs, and deli meat, when training your dog to come to you. They should get lots of praise, high-value rewards, fun, play, and plenty of practice. Before you know it, your dog will not only want to come to you, but they will also want to stick around.
Sandy Modell, CPDT-KA, is the Founder, Owner, and Head of Training of Wholistic Hound Academy, Alexandria’s award-winning, premier canine training and learning center — offering classes and private lessons in puppy training, adolescent and adult foundation and life skills, behavior modification, agility, nose work, dog sports, and fitness, babies/kids and dogs, and pre-pet planning and selection. Classes are starting soon! Visit www.wholistichound.com to enroll in our programs, like us on Facebook.com/wholistichound, and follow us on Instagram at Instagram.com/wholistichound.
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