Training Your Dog
to Come When Called
(The Recall)
Previously I have mentioned that all commands you teach your dog are important. The come or recall command is is no exception. If your dog won’t come back to you after you have let him loose, he will be destined for life on a leash whenever he is taken out. This will become very frustrating for you and your dog, as you will never be able to keep up with him when he starts to run. Also, while off his leash, he is able to play and socialise with other dogs or explore his surroundings at his pace. Something he won’t be able to do if you are worried he won’t come back if let loose. "So why wont my dog come to me when I call him? He knows his own name after all".
This is something often asked by owners. More often than not, the answer to this is mainly due to one or two reasons (sometimes both).The first explanation is that, as dog owners, we don’t necessarily see this as a training issue; we expect our dogs to come to us when called simply because they know their name. And as we expect them to do it, we very often forget to reward them if they do it correctly. From your dog’s perspective, he did what he thought you wanted but didn’t get a treat or reward for doing it. Not much of an incentive for doing it right again is it! Like all commands he has to be taught to come to you when called. Don’t just expect it because he knows his own name.
Secondly, very often, the calling of his name means the end of his fun or playtime. If he is enjoying playing, running around up the park with a couple of his friends, or exploring his surroundings, by having to return to you means his fun has to stop. He may decide that he would rather do this and isn’t ready to stop playing just yet, so he’ll ignore you. When he does eventually come to you he doesn’t exactly get a warm reception and certainly no treats, as you have been calling him for the last 30 minutes. Your frosty reception will be remembered for the next time. Why would any dog want to return to an owner who maybe shouted at him for returning last time?
For your dog to return to you when called, he first needs to learn how to do this and what is expected of him (remember, don’t expect it just because he knows his name). Also, as a dog owner, you need to make the training of the recall sessions very rewarding for him.I mentioned very rewarding for a reason. When rewarding your dog for doing something well, reward him with something that is a big deal for him. Something he really loves, not just something you think he likes. Food is the obvious choice, and works really well, however, if he does something right, don’t just reward him with a bit of everyday dog food; he has this anyway. Or don’t just use terms like "good dog". You may say this 20 times a day, even if he is just sitting quietly at your feet while you watch television or looking at dog-obedience-guide.com!. As people, we like to get a reward if we have learned & done something right. A treat should be just that; something you don’t get everyday. If you are rewarding your dog with food, for his treat for instance give him a really tasty bit of meat. Something that will make him think “ WOW…now that’s what I’m talking about! I’ll do that again if this is the result!!” ...Seriously though, I’m sure you get the picture. And don’t ever be afraid to up the doggie ante. The better he does, the better (not necessarily bigger) the treat. If your dog doesn’t really respond to food treats, put his favourite toy away until he has done enough for you to give it to him. He’s not allowed to play with it everyday, but when he is allowed, this is reinforcement that you are happy with what he has done. OK ready? Just
click here
to start with recall training.
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