The recall
So what is recall? Exactly as it suggests - the ability to call and have your dog return to you. Singularly the most important lesson for a dog to learn. You need to be confident that your dog will return to you when called for a range of reasons from the fact that it may be in danger, you need help or you need to go home after a long walk! It is also the bedrock for all other training classes and skills your dog will learn.
It is almost definitely easiest to start the process when your dog is a puppy and is willing to stay close to you. In most cases you will only need to move away and call out anything to have your dog come running to you. When your the puppy arrives, be sure to reward with a "treat" that he likes and of course lavish him/her with praise.
Try training your dog to respond to his/her name. Name recognition is of course always a help with Recall. Call your dogs name and when he/she appears, have a treat waiting. Moving on, introduce a Recall word ('come' or 'here') and alternate between the dogs name and the chosen recall word. Once both work in the house, test this new behaviour in other places. Start in the garden, then move to more ambitious and distracting location as the dog becomes more responsive.
Tips:
Don't call your dog only to give him/her nothing. If the dog does not respond as you asked, go to the dog. If the dog turns and comes to you as you approach, reward! (it did as you asked even if it was delayed).Remember, that if your dog does come but you don’t make a fuss or reward, why would they bother to do again. Once they have learned and come back every time - then you can start to wean them off the treats.
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