How to Teach Your Dog a Reliable Every Day Recall

Dogs need a reliable every day recall as well as an emergency recall. The word "Come" is often used as an every day recall to get the dog to come to you in most situations, like getting ready to go for a walk or for feeding time. Working with your dog on reliably responding to the signal can save you a lot of frustration. Read on to learn how to tach your dog a reliable every day recall.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Set your dog up for success in the training. Choose a quiet space without a lot of distractions at first; you can gradually increase the difficulty as your dog learns the reliable recall. If your dog eats at a regular time, this can also be a good time to train because your dog will be more motivated for the treats.

2. Consider any actions you take that may impair the recall training and change them. For example, if you call your dog for a bath or to have her nails trimmed when she dislikes these activities, you're working against the training. In order for the training recall to work, it must associate with only good things.

3. Call the dog to you while using the recall word ("Come," "Here" and "Front" are popular choices) when you're not far away. Praise your dog while he is in the act of moving toward you, not just when he gets to you. You may want to crouch down, clap or do other inviting motions to help the process.

4. Reward your dog for coming to you. Choose a reward that your dog likes such as a favorite treat, a short play session or petting. Make a big fuss over your dog coming to you. Let your dog go back to what he was doing.

5. Make practice sessions short. Once your dog is reliably coming to you at meal time, start recalling her at other times and in other places. Remember to work up gradually to highly distracting situations like the dog park or you'll end up reinforcing the opposite behavior.

6. Begin giving treats randomly and alternating with other forms of rewards. Add short play sessions, a favorite toy or more verbal praise.

Tips & Warnings

• Tie a long leash or line to your dog to help with the recall training. If the dog doesn't respond to the recall, you can give a small tug on the line while giving plenty of praise to help your dog begin moving in your direction.