When out and about, it is important to have your dog come back to you when called to keep your dog safe and ease the pressure when walking off-leash. Not having good recall can be frustrating, especially when other animals and people are around, and it can affect the bond you have. We have put together an easy guide and top tips on how to get your dog to come back to you when called!
What Is Recall?
Recall means the act of returning. When your dog is far away, doing bad behaviour or you want to get their attention back, recall is an effective way to get your dog to come back to you.
Having good recall shows effective communication between you and can be a critical command when out of the home. This will ensure your dog is safe while providing the freedom to roam around open spaces and burn off excess energy.
What Are The Benefits Of Effective Recall?
Dog recall can put your mind at ease when on walks and for the safety of your dog and others around you. Teaching recall has many benefits, including the following:
- Safe for dogs: Your dog returning will mean your dog is less likely to get lost or injured when off-leash.
- Create a better bond: You can relax knowing your dog is safe and will come back to you, meaning the communication is easier when out of the home.
- Emergencies: Cars, other dogs and general surroundings can pose a threat to your dog. Having a good recall will immediately grab their attention in an emergency.
- Confidence in new environments: Teaching your dog recall will enable you to go to new places without the stress of letting your dog off the leash, as they will respond to you.
- Manage distractions: Recall is great for grabbing your dog’s attention quickly. This means if they get distracted by a new noise, animal or person outdoors – you can get their attention back.
- Positive interactions between you and your dog: Positive reinforcement is a great method of teaching your dog recall.
- Encourages further training: Recall is one of the main obedience commands that can provide a building block to more advanced training.
Why Your Dog Isn’t Paying Attention To You
If you’re stuck with recall training and have trouble getting your dog’s attention, you will benefit from looking at the underlying cause. For example, your dog could get heavily distracted by the environment, they can run for an animal, investigate new people on a walk or pay more attention to sights and sounds. As mentioned, persevering with this training will grab the attention and focus back to you and keep your dog safe.
Reactive Behaviour
Similar to getting distracted, your dog may have reactive behaviours that require additional training support. These behaviours go beyond a simple distraction and often trigger an emotional or behavioural response. Getting your dog to come to you will be a blended training effort to figure out your dog’s behavioural patterns.
Previous Training
Inappropriate training is also a large concern if your dog won’t come back to you. If you have adopted a dog, often the dog may have had training that doesn’t meet the purpose. This will consist of undoing behaviours and teaching them to recall through effective training methods.
Positive Attitude
As an owner, you also have to be in the right headspace for training. Dogs have emotional intelligence that can pick up on body language signals and tone of voice. If you sound angry, annoyed, upset or are closed off saying the command, your dog may be unsure you want them to return. In this case, they are less likely to return for fear of a negative welcome. This is particularly key during the training stage until they learn the spoken cue.
Follow These Steps To Get Your Dog To Come Back To You
Our simple guide to get your dog to come back to you includes the following:
- Teach your dog to respond to their name first: When calling your dog’s name, ensure they have the recognition and make an action such as looking at you.
- Have an incentive: Positive reinforcement is a great training method. Use treats or toys as a way to get them to come back to you.
- Start with shorter distances: Recall will be easier in the initial training period at shorter distances with fewer distractions. If they already know to sit and stay, you could use these commands first, walk away and try to recall.
- Say an audible word that you will keep consistent: Commands need to be consistent, get your dog to recognise and associate the action with the word ‘come.’
- Increase the distance: Once your dog is comfortable with the action, repeat with longer distances.
- Practice: With any dog training, practice is key. Try this out in different areas, and environments to further improve.
Additional Tips
When training your dog to come back to you or any training, it can be a long process. Here are some additional tips:
- Have an upbeat voice and welcoming body language
- Repeat the process and use the command every day
- Be calm and patient
- Don’t rush training or it will never stick
- Be careful in off-leash situations
Can I Teach My Older Dog To Come Back To Me?
You can teach your dog to come back to you at any age. There is no time limit on training. Older dogs may need more patience, but many factors include breed, energy levels and temperament.
What Commands Can I Use To Get My Dog To Come Back To Me?
You also know what works for your dog, too. With recall training, you can use whistling, treats (food, toys or something they love) and also words. Try to not stop and start with different methods if one isn’t working. Persevere for a little longer before switching up.
Dog Training With A&T Trained Dogs
If you’re struggling with recall, our specialist dog trainers can step in and help! With countless testimonials, large facilities and a wealth of experience, our team can assist with effective recall. We also include a comprehensive handover so you can continue the work in your home and life. Contact us online or call us on 01524 587 315 for more information.
