INTRODUCTION
To have reliable recall with your dog is important to all concerned. As owners it gives us peace of mind and for the dogs it offers safety and freedom to explore off lead. It can be a life saver of a skill to master. While allowing them off lead to burn energy and have some fun. Knowing that they will return to you when called. In this article we will demonstrate how to effectively recall your dog using only positive reinforcement techniques.
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT METHODS
There are numerous science based studies and articles, showing dogs that are trained using positive reinforcement methods, out perform dogs that are trained using balance or aversive methods. For some trainers shock collars are a quick way to teach the come when called command. However the studies show, the response from dogs that have been taught with positive reinforcement actually produce the quicker and longer lasting results. It also means they are avoiding any discomfort or even pain. For us it is important to avoid aversive methods not only with reliable recall training but in any behaviour training.
USING THE RIGHT COMMANDS
Before we start our recall training, it is important that we choose the correct command we will give our dogs. We should be using words that are easily recognisable to our dogs and our tone of voice is also important. Words that are most used and practiced are “Come” or “Here” Whistles are also a good replacement for verbal command, if that is what you prefer. What ever the choice is, it is important to have consistency with your commands and ensure everyone recalling your dog is using the same command.
BUILD A POSITIVE ASSOCIATION WITH YOUR RECALL COMMAND
To teach your dog the recall command you need to build a positive association with the word or the whistle. Starting in your home or garden is advisable or if in a public space use a long line lead (20 meter ) Start by enticing your dog to come to you, using methods like running around, or ground patting or even a squeaky toy. Just as your dog is approaching you, use the recall command chose. At this moment you need to apply the positive reinforcement training by using a word like “Yes” something they can easily recognise. Then reward with treats or praise, this will help them to understand that coming to you is a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
RECALL IN REAL LIFE SITUATIONS
It is important to have regular practice building positive association but also adding real life situations into the recall training should be high on your list. This will help your dog to generalise the behaviour and respond reliably in real life situations. You can use situations when your dog will naturally approach you, for example at meal times or when you grab the lead for a walk. Use the recall command as they come close and then quickly reward them, whether that is treats, praise “Good boy” or a toy is your choice. Try and stay consistent and by doing this the recall command will become more or a reflex action to your dog.
FUN AND GAMES TO STRENGTHEN RELIABLE RECALL
As a professional dog trainer I love to add some fun and games into all of my recall training. It makes the process more enjoyable from an owners and dogs prospective. Here are my top 4 that I incorporate into reliable recall training.
- PING PONG TRAINING – This involves multiple people using the recall commands. Each of them rewarding for a successful attempt. This helps the dogs respond to other family members and helps build the speed of the recall. See my video below.
- HOLD ME BACK – This is great for building your dogs drive to be recalled and motivates them to recall at speed. Using a helper or family member, restrain your dog with its lead or hold the collar. Then you run away and as you give the command they let go. Remember to have a treat or the huge praise ready for their efforts.
- THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON – One of my favourites and used by many gun dog trainers. You start by standing in the centre and throw treats out. Then deliver your recall command and again praise for each success. This is great for maintaining the focus and teaches them to come back between each treat you throw.
- HIDE AND SEEK – This is my favourite game to play with my own dogs, Start with a helper holding onto the collar, harness or lead. You then run off behind a tree or anything you can find to obscure you from their line of sight. Then the helper can drop the hold and you can give your recall command. Again praise and or treats for a successful seek. Once your dog has mastered this you can build towards doing this alone. Using the “Wait” command and leave them on the spot while you run and hide. Then using your command or whistle and rewarding them for a successful and reliable recall
STRUCTURED TRAINING
Playing games is fun and helps with all round reliable recall, however we also need structure to our training to help reinforce the recall behaviour. Using the “Wait” or “Stay” command can be useful here. By asking them to sit or lie in a place as you walk off, then turning to face them and pause for a moment before applying your recall command. As soon as they get to you be ready with the treats and praise. I like to gradually get further away as the dogs becomes more proficient with their recall skills.
TRAINING RECALL AROUND DISTRACTIONS
Once you feel you are mastering your dogs recall it is time to add some real life distractions to the mix. It is best to introduce distractions gradually, start with family members that can be stood watching, you can even put down their best toy or some treats. Then work with your recall commands and if they successfully manage it, use your treats and praise to reinforce the behaviour. It is important to practice the recall in different locations and adding more distractions as your dog becomes more advanced. Using other dogs is probably the last step to take and making sure you have reliable recall around other dogs is important.
SETTING YOUR DOG UP FOR SUCCESS
Setting your dog up for success is key to training reliable recall.
CONSISTENCY – Making sure everyone involved is on the same page, using the same recall commands, and rewarding at the crucial times.
REPETITION – Start recall training as early as possible, when they are just 8-12 weeks you can do this in your home and garden. Once they are fully vaccinated you can move to out door spaces. You don’t have to have long sessions especially when they are really young. Doing this just a little each day will help your dog to learn recall as a reflexive behaviour.
PROGRESSION – By gradually increasing the difficulty or the recall, using different locations and distractions will help solidify the behaviour. Adding distance to the recall slowly and making things more challenging as they progress.
REWARDS
As with all positive reinforcement training, finding the best rewards helps to gear you up for success. High value treats always work best to start with, making sure you have something a little more interesting than their regular kibble. Making sure your dog has the constitution for the reward is a good idea, don’t feed them anything that could make them ill. As you progress toys and lots of excited praise can work just as well. Timing is key, make sure you follow the steps and reward at the moment your dog gets to you. Getting this part right will reinforce your dogs behaviour and set you and them up for success.
CONCLUSION
Teaching your dog reliable recall, allows you to build a great bond with them. It can offer you peace of mind and allows them the freedom they desire. It can be a skill that offers life changing moments for you and your dog. Remember, using positive reinforcement methods, take part in structured and fun recall sessions. Practice in real life situations and add progression into your training over time. Be consistent, be patient, they won’t get it perfect straight away. Reward them at the right time and watch how your bond grows and the recall becomes more reliable and successful with all your hard work. You are creating a master of recall and in the long run it will lead you to the happy place all dog owners strive for.
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