teaching foundation behaviors: introducing recall
A reliable recall, or come when called, behavior is one of the most important foundation behaviors. Mastered, it lets your dog enjoy freedom and off-leash time and help keeps him/her safe. In some instances, the recall behavior could even save your dog’s life–like when your dog is chasing a squirrel toward a busy road and you need him to return to you quickly!
The key to training a recall is to teach your dog that it’s worth it to come whenever you ask. Two ways to achieve this are to reward the dog with tasty treats and to keep training fun so that your dog remains interested and the recall behavior becomes automatic. This video by KPA CTP Jill Hassevoort demonstrates a “Round Robin” recall game where her client family members stand at a distance from one another and take turns asking the dog to come, rewarding him with tasty treats. As soon as one person gives a treat, another person calls the dog and gives a treat when the dog comes. Family members continue taking turns calling the dog. It’s important that everyone is consistent with the verbal cue you associate with the dog’s recall—if one person says "here, boy!" and another says "come," it will be confusing for your dog.
Games like Round Robin are great ways to introduce your dog to the recall cue, as well as to keep the behavior sharp over time. The time invested will pay off for both your dog (freedom off-leash) and you (peace of mind) for years to come!
For more training tips and ideas, check out our blogs and our Dog Trainer Foundations course! Be sure to check out the new Immersion version of the Dog Trainer Foundations course for an even more personalized, structured learning experience and five hours of coaching to help get you to the next step!
Happy Training!
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