Recall is one of the essential dog training cues. It is not unusual to see exasperated owners anxiously speed-walking around the park repeatedly calling their dog’s name while the hound in question is nowhere to be seen. Another scenario is the dog that dances around within a few feet of the owner but somehow stays just out of range, refusing to have its lead put on. Poor recall is not only inconvenient it is also dangerous; the ability to call your dog away from something could one day save his life
Your young puppy may have aced recall in puppy class and even in the park returns like a shot when called. However, that can all change when puberty hits and suddenly there are other things out there that are way more interesting. Owners get upset and confused when their pup ignores all entreaties to return. Once not returning is a learned option, recall falls apart.
Pups are wired to stick with their perceived point of safety. Having left their mother and littermates this role is transferred to the owner. The average baby pup recalls quite easily. Owners often get lulled into a false sense of security and rather than actively setting up and practising recalls in the park and on off lead walks, they unwittingly rely on the pup’s instinct for safety. Owners often do practice recall in a class and the pup can get rather good at that, but this is just one context. The same rigour needs to be applied elsewhere too.
With patience and consistent application of training it is possible to achieve a good recall, here are some general tips:
- Train regularly for the first two years minimum, do not put all your faith into what you achieve at a puppy course. Once hormones kick in at puberty the brain is overwhelmed with lots of new, rewarding information.
- Remember dogs learn context by context. Recalling in class is different to the park. Training in the park should be built from scratch too.
- If your pup has learned to return to you under highly controlled conditions in class, do not expect him to do the same after he has been free running and playing in the park for half an hour with other dogs.
- Think about the reward on offer for returning to you- is it as fun for the dog as playing with other dogs? Many youngsters will prefer play fighting with other dogs to the same old treat from its owner.
- Only ever call your dog once or twice. Repeated use of the cue reduces effectiveness.
- Ideally, every recall should be successful first time. This means the owner should judge how distracted the dog is, how far away the dog is, and for how long the dog has been separated from them (the three D’s, distance, distraction, duration).
- Use a long line. This gives you some control but use with care and supervision, it is a training tool not something for life.
- If using a line, for safety avoid extended play sessions with other dogs.
- It will be clear to most that your dog wants to run and play in the park so ensure you give them substitute play outlets they enjoy. You may need to take toys with you.
- Finally, never ever chastise your dog for not returning when you call. No dog will willingly return to a visibly frustrated or angry owner. Think about what has gone wrong and aim to put it right on the next recall.
Leonie St Clair | www.londondogstraining.