Let me set the scene.... you get ready to let Fido off lead, they are already scanning the area for "fun". They hear the click of the lead coming off.... and ZOOM!! Your Fido is running 100mph in the direction of a dog on the opposite side of the field. Or maybe they have found a squirrel to chase. Fido is living their best life. Now it's time to put them back on the lead... whether it's time to go home, or because an onlead dog has entered the area... You recall Fido, but it appears they have gone deaf!!
Sound familiar?! You're not alone! Recall can be frustrating when it doesn't go well.
Why is recall important?
Recall should be one of the key skills to work on when you become a dog guardian. The main reason for this is safety.
Safety for your dog - to be able to recall them from danger
Safety for the general public - not everyone wants a dog running up to them, and it can be frightening for young children.
Safety for other dogs - not every dog is a social butterfly. In fact, it is more common for dogs to be socially selective (for more info on this click here)
Teaching and building a great recall doesn't have to be a chore. In fact, it can be lots of fun!
Here are my top 3 ways to improve recall with your dog.
1. Training
Use a recall cue such as here or come, because often our dogs names can become white noise to them.
Remember : Name - cue - reward. Imagine if some repeated your name over and over again, but never said what they wanted from you... eventually you'd just ingnore them!
Use a whistle & pair up with the good stuff! I tend to use primula with whistle training.
The whistle doesn't convey any emotion. So even if you're annoyed or frustrated, it won't come across to your dog. Who would want to go back to someone who looks super angry?!
Add fun cues like 'middle' and 'Touch' to bring your dog in nice and close to make popping the lead on easier and rewarding to them.
2. Games
Invest in your recall account and provide positive outlets for natural behaviours, such as chasing - flirt pole, chasers
Simple scent games manage excitement levels as well as providing mental stimulation for your dog.
These games are designed to engage with your dog, rather than them going of in search of fun. When you have these possitive and fun experiences with your dog, they get dopamine releases which makes hanging out with you, doing what you ask of them, the best thing ever!
A good tip to remember is "Lead off, Game on". By doing this you change your dogs expectations of what happens when the lead comes off. This helps to prevent them scanning the area for mischief, and instead engages them in a game as the lead comes off. This can be with toys or with a game such as 'find it'.
3. Set Your Dog up For Success (Don't test!)
Practice recall in secure fields where you can control the environment better. There are local dog walking fields available to hire.
Once you have taught recall, slowly increase the distraction level. If your dog isn't able to recall when there aren't any distractions, or distractions in distance, letting them free run around other dogs etc will set them up for failure.
Help your dog to make good choices by using a long line during training and as you practice around distractions.
Chasing other dogs and animals is self rewarding, so it's important not to let your dog practice running off. Using a long line can help with this.
Above are just a few ways to work on improving recall. Every dog is different so go with what works best for you and your dog. The key is to have lots of fun and build a positive relationship with your dog.
More information can be found on the website, but here are a few useful links to point you in the right direction!
Check out online course (currently 50% off but this deal ends soon!) https://www.therewardingdogtrainer.co.uk/online-courses
Prefer in person?
Check out upcoming classes & workshops https://www.therewardingdogtrainer.co.uk/classes
Or get in touch to chat about 1:1 Dog Training & Behaviour:
Good luck with your training!
Kat
The Rewarding Dog Trainer
Helping you to teach your dog a Rocket Recall!
