Recall is one of the most essential and potentially life-saving commands you can teach your dog. A strong recall ensures that your dog will come back to you whenever you call, regardless of the distractions or dangers present.
When:
Puppyhood: The best time to start teaching recall is when a dog is still a puppy. Puppies are typically more eager to please and have fewer bad habits to unlearn. But even if you've adopted an older dog, it's never too late to teach recall.
During Play: When your dog is playing and distracted, it’s a great time to practice recall as it imitates real-life situations where you might need to call your dog back.
Throughout Their Life: Regularly reinforce the recall command throughout the dog's life to ensure they always respond.
Where:
Home: Start in a controlled environment like inside your house or a fenced backyard where there are minimal distractions.
Training Classes: These can offer a semi-controlled environment with other dogs and people around, which adds another layer of distraction to train against.
Different Outdoor Settings: As your dog becomes more proficient, practice recall in parks, beaches, hiking trails, etc., to ensure your dog listens in all environments.
How:
Positive Reinforcement: Always reward your dog when they come back to you, whether it's with treats, praise, or a favorite toy. This will make them associate the recall command with positive experiences.
Use a Long Leash: A long leash (or a retractable one) can help you maintain control while giving your dog the illusion of freedom. This is especially useful when first practicing in open spaces.
Use Consistent Commands: Whether you use "come," "here," or any other command, be consistent in your wording and tone.
Increase Distractions Gradually: Start with minimal distractions and gradually add more challenges as your dog becomes reliable in its response.
Never Punish: If your dog doesn’t come back immediately or gets distracted, never punish them when they finally return. This will only create a negative association with the command.
Why:
Safety: This is the primary reason. A strong recall can prevent your dog from running into traffic, getting into fights with other dogs, or any other potential danger.
Enjoyment: Dogs with a reliable recall can enjoy more off-leash time, providing them with more freedom and exercise.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your dog will come back when called provides significant peace of mind when you're out and about.
Strengthens Bond: Training in general, and recall training in particular, can help strengthen the bond between you and your dog as it’s based on trust and communication.
Remember that like all training, teaching recall requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Celebrate the small victories along the way and ensure that the training experience is positive and enjoyable for both you and your dog.
