Off leash recall training is a key aspect of maximising your dog’s safety and freedom, whilst also putting your mind at ease while you are out together. Whether you’re hiking, taking a quick walk in the park, or just enjoying playtime in the back garden, knowing that your dog will return to you when called is a welcome reassurance. In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of recall training, how to make it fun for you and your dog, and how it can benefit your relationship in the long run.
What Is Off Leash Recall Training?
Off leash recall dog training is the process of teaching your dog to come back to you reliably, even when distracted or unwilling. It’s an essential skill for dog owners who want to enjoy walks, hikes or playtime without the need to worry or use a lead. Proper training builds trust, improves the bond between you and your dog, and most importantly, keeps your dog safe.
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Why Recall Training Is Important
Teaching your dog recall off leash is essential for their safety and freedom, as well as your shared bond.
- Safety: A strong recall command can prevent your dog from running into dangerous, possibly life-threatening situations, such as busy roads, unfamiliar and potentially threatening animals like cows, or unsafe terrain.
- Freedom: A well-trained dog will get a lot more enjoyment and exercise out of running free than they will being kept on a lead.
- Bond-Strengthening: Consistent recall training rewards your dog and increases their trust in you, making them more responsive and excited to engage.
How Off Leash Recall Training Works
The primary goal of teaching your dog to recall off leash is to ensure that your dog comes back to you if and when you call them. Here’s how you can do it:
- Start Easy: Begin training in a controlled and relatively distraction-free environment, such as in your home or your fenced garden. Reward your dog when they respond to your calling.
- Positive Reinforcement: Use treats, toys or praise to reinforce the recall behaviour, as this will create a positive association for the dog.
- Increase Distractions: Gradually introduce more distractions when training your dog, possibly by moving to a larger, busier area while keeping them on a long lead.
- Vary Environments: Dogs sometimes generalise commands based on context and setting, so practice the recall instruction in multiple locations so they know to respond wherever they are.
- Long Lead: Make sure you keep your dog on as long a lead as possible so that they can enjoy more freedom.
- Be Consistent: Continue rewarding good behaviour and obedience while repeating the training as consistently and regularly as possible.
If your dog is not responding to off leash recall training, contact us online or call us on 01524 587315 for help.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Negative Recall: Avoid calling your dog only to end playtime or to punish them, as this will create a negative association with the recall command.
- Over repeating: If your dog doesn’t listen to the command initially, avoid repeating it and instead go to them and gently encourage them to come back to you.
- No Good Rewards: Make sure that your dog loves the rewards you are offering in exchange for their recall.
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The Psychology Behind Recall Training
Dogs learn to come back when called through association and reinforcement. When they respond to your call and receive a reward, they understand that returning is an action to yield positive results. This is why consistency is essential, for if recall isn’t always rewarded, your dog may doubt you and decide that ignoring you is more rewarding than obeying.
When doing recall training, it’s also important to consider your dog’s natural instincts. Some breeds are more independent, while others are eager to please. By understanding where your dog lies on this scale, you can tailor the training to suit their thinking. For example, a scent hound may need higher-value rewards to overcome their powerful desire to follow smells, whereas a traditional sheepdog may naturally stick close to you, making training easier.
Games To Improve Recall
Turning recall training into a game, alongside including desirable rewards, makes the challenge even more engaging and fun for your dog. A great game for training is chase, where you call your dog and then run in the opposite direction. Most dogs instinctively chase moving objects, and this reinforces recall in an exciting way.
Another great game is the classic hide and seek. Hide somewhere in the house or garden and call your dog. When they find you, reward them with treats and praise. Make sure they know that seeking you out is a good thing and that they will be rewarded for doing it. It encourages them to pay attention to your whereabouts and come running when called.
Dog Training With A&T Trained Dogs
At A&T Trained Dogs, we make sure that off leash recall training is done in a safe, supportive environment that’s optimised to improve your dog’s recall ability. With years of experience, our trainers are committed to building trust between you and your dog through positive reinforcement techniques that will strengthen the bond between you. If you’re ready to get started, or have any other inquiries, call us today at 01524 587315 or fill out our contact form.
