8-week step-by-step guide to teaching a reliable recall (come when called) to your dog:
Week 1:
- Begin in a quiet, distraction-free environment.
- Say your dog's name followed by the recall cue, such as "Fido, come!"
- Run a short distance away from your dog while encouraging them with an excited and enthusiastic tone.
- When your dog comes to you, reward them with praise, treats, and affection.
Week 2:
- Repeat the Week 1 exercise in different areas of your home or yard.
- Gradually increase the distance you run away from your dog.
- Continue rewarding your dog for coming to you promptly.
Week 3:
- Introduce mild distractions to the training environment, such as toys or low-level noises.
- Practice the recall exercise with distractions present.
- Use higher-value rewards, such as small pieces of cooked chicken or cheese, to reinforce your dog's response to the recall command.
Week 4:
- Move the training sessions to a slightly more challenging outdoor environment, such as a quiet park or a fenced area.
- Practice the recall exercise with longer distances and varying distractions.
- Use a long training leash to ensure your dog's safety while still allowing them freedom to run.
Week 5:
- Continue practicing the recall exercise outdoors in different locations.
- Start incorporating recalls during off-leash play sessions, gradually increasing the distance you call your dog back to you.
- Reinforce the recall with praise, treats, and playtime when your dog responds promptly.
Week 6:
- Increase the difficulty of the training by practicing recalls in more distracting environments, such as areas with other dogs or people.
- Utilize high-value rewards and provide extra praise and enthusiasm for successful recalls in challenging situations.
Week 7:
- Practice the recall exercise in various real-life scenarios, such as during walks or outings.
- Incorporate intermittent reinforcement, meaning that not every recall is followed by a treat, but rewards are given unpredictably to maintain motivation.
Week 8:
- Continue practicing the recall in different environments, gradually increasing the distance and level of distractions.
- Maintain consistency and reinforce the recall command regularly, even after the formal training period.
- Always reward your dog for coming when called, as this will strengthen the behavior over time.
Remember to keep training sessions positive, fun, and rewarding for your dog. Be patient and consistent throughout the process, as it may take time for your dog to fully understand and reliably respond to the recall command. If you encounter any difficulties, consider seeking guidance from a professional dog trainer for additional support.
