How do I get my dog to come when called?

Nothing is more terrifying than trying to get your dog to come back after they have run off. Cue the dog “come” command. When a wild animal enters the yard or when you’re walking your dog off leash and they venture too far ahead, teaching your dog to come when called can help keep them safe.

Since you can trust your dog to reliably return, learning how to teach a dog to come also expands your options for letting your dog go off-leash, giving them more opportunities to freely explore their surroundings. Your mind is at ease, and they have more time to sniff everything. Now that’s what we call a win-win!.

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“Reliable recall” refers to the act of calling your dog to come and always expecting them to respond.

Training games like “find me” or “hot potato” are fun, effective ways of teaching your dog to recall.

Patience, practice, and positivity are all important aspects when working on reliable recall training

One of the most crucial skills your dog can learn is to come when called or recall to you. However, given that dogs find so much of the world to be interesting, teaching a recall can be difficult. Every time we call our dog to us, we are requesting that they put an end to their current activity and turn away from other stimuli. As a result, in order to develop a reliable recall, we must teach our dogs that being close to us is the most enjoyable and rewarding activity they can engage in.

When you call your dog to come, you are 99 percent sure that they will respond. 99% sure they are going to enthusiastically respond. Since dogs are not machines, there is never a guarantee that they will obey your commands. On the other hand, we are aiming for them to be as consistent as possible with a life-saving skill like recall.

If you want to let your dog off-leash outside of a fenced yard or dog park, having a strong recall is especially crucial. Additionally crucial in an emergency is a trustworthy recall

If you are unsure of your dog’s recall, there is no shame in keeping them on a leash. Let them play in enclosed areas instead, or think about using a long leash. These might provide your companion with more chance to explore safely.

No matter how well-trained your dog’s recall is, it’s still crucial to adhere to all local leash laws. This applies to your front yard and any other unfenced areas of your property. These rules will typically apply to local, state, and national parks as well.

Making training fun for your dog is an essential component of teaching recall. Start your training in a calm, distraction-free setting, such as inside your home. Show your dog a toy or a treat first, then when they approach you, praise them and give them a reward. After a few practice sessions, incorporate your chosen verbal cue (such as “come,” “here,” etc.) whenever your dog looks at you and begins to approach you. ). Make sure to only use the cue once you are certain that your dog is approaching you.

By asking your dog to come before revealing the treat, you can gradually increase the difficulty. But when they reach you, make sure to reward them with a costly treat like chicken, cheese, or beef liver. Also, try slowly adding distance within your low-distraction environment.

Catch Me: While walking your dog on-leash, get their attention, then turn around and run a few steps. As your pup moves with you, say “come!” or another verbal recall. After a few steps, stop and reward with a treat or a toy. Before you run, make sure your dog is paying attention to ensure the leash does not yank at them.

Find Me: Once your dog has gotten the hang of recall, you can build speed by calling them from another room. When your dog finds you, offer lots of praise and rewards. This hide-and-seek-like game is a lot of fun for both pups and people!

Hot Potato: Take two or more family members or friends and give them high-value treats. Next, stand apart and take turns calling your dog between you. Reward your companion each time they come to the person who called them.

Recalling your dog, putting on the leash, and leaving the house is a common training error. Dogs may become less likely to visit in the future if they learn to associate recall with the end of the fun. One effective training technique is to call your dog to you, reward them with a treat, and then set them free to resume their previous activity.

“Come! COME! Come! Come! Come! Please come!”

If your dog currently performs this recall, you might have a “poisoned cue.” This typically occurs unintentionally and happens when the dog ignores the cue because it has a murky meaning or a bad association for them. Overusing a cue by repeatedly saying it to your dog without getting a response is the simplest way to poison that cue.

The best course of action in this situation is to switch up your verbal cue. If you had previously used “come,” for instance, you could now use “here” or “close.” Introduce the new recall cue by going back to the beginning and starting there.

• Do not repeat yourself. It may be too distracting if you have to repeat your recall cue because of the surroundings. Alternately, your dog might not comprehend the skill at the level you are trying to train them at.

• Reward eye contact. Give your dog a treat and verbal praise when you see them gazing at you or choosing to be close to you. At first, you might use a lot of treats, but you are teaching your dog a crucial lesson. You attract good things by having people around you and paying attention to you.

• Never punish your dog for coming to you. Always give your dog praise for a recall, even if you are annoyed that they took their time to arrive.

• Reward! When teaching your dog to recall, use high-value treats and toys. This is especially true when your dog is learning. Rewarding recall is always a good idea because you want people to associate coming with getting great things.

• Practice recalls daily. Slowly increase the difficulty and level of distraction. When you move too quickly, your dog may become confused and less reliable.

• Chase your dog only if necessary in an emergency if you need to call them. They might do that to continue the “game” and move away from you. Instead, try escaping from your dog so they will pursue you.

While you might not be able to attend in-person training sessions during COVID-19, we are still available to assist virtually through the AKC GoodDog! Helpline. You can speak live to a trainer on the phone through this service, and they will provide you with unlimited, individualized guidance on anything from behavioral issues to CGC training to getting into dog sports.

An Easy-Peasy Guide To Teach Your Dog Recall

Credit: Jason Donnelly

Although it may not seem necessary, rewarding your dog for brief moments of offered attention—when he or she shows interest in you without your having to say or do anything—is an essential first step in teaching them to “come” This teaches your dog that they can access some of their favorite things when they pay attention to you. When paying attention has a strong history of positive reinforcement, such as when you need them to come, your dog will be much more likely to do so over time.

Do not ask your dog to do anything while you are standing or sitting in front of them. Click and treat when they look at you. When you first start any training session, begin rewarding your dog for brief periods of attention throughout the day, while you are out for walks, or whenever else. They will pay more attention if you reward them for it more often.

Pro Trainer’s Tip: Try not to overuse your dog’s name when you’re clicking for attention and developing a strong recall. A dog’s name should only be used when you urgently need them to pay attention, especially when you’re teaching them. If you use it too frequently or only when your dog is already focused on you (or when you are angry), it quickly turns into white noise or acquires an unpleasant new meaning.

Credit: Jason Donnelly

Add the Verbal Cue “Come”

Continuing from step two, throw one of your dog’s preferred treats a short distance away from you. When your dog turns to face you and moves toward you, say the verbal cue “come,” click your mouse, and reward them. Repeat this several times, always clicking as they get closer and rewarding them as soon as they get to you.

Pro Trainer’s Tip: After a few repetitions, wait and click when they have fully turned to face you rather than when they are just starting to approach.

Credit: Jason Donnelly

FAQ

What to do if your dog doesn’t come to you when called?

When they approach you, use a cheery, high-pitched voice and give them something. Your dog will be more likely to respond when you call after this. In order to create a positive association with coming when called, choose a different word if you have previously used “come” in an irate manner.

Why does my dog refuse to come when called?

Why dogs don’t come: Active disobedience. Dogs who discover that play and training are incompatible run away or refuse to respond when called. In order to have fun, the dog feels the need to flee. Because it knows the good times will end if it returns to its owner, the dog is afraid to do so.

How long does it take for a dog to come when called?

In a stimuli-rich environment full of distractions, it will take some time (much longer than 3 days) and effort to train your dog to come when called. The best way to train your pet is to use a variety of games (start with simple ones and work your way up) and positive reinforcement.

How do I get my puppy to come when called now and forever?

To begin, step back 1 to 3 feet from your puppy and jiggle a favorite toy or food treat in front of its nose. At the same time say the puppy’s name and “come. ” Use a happy inviting tone of voice. Give your puppy a lot of praise and the treat or toy when it approaches you. Then repeat.