Recall Training

Recall training, or teaching your dog to come, is vital for the safety of your dog. The recall techniques, tips and equipment in this section will help to ensure that your dog's recall problems are a thing of the past.

Pet Necessities' Recall Training Tips:

• Never reprimand your dog for returning, no matter how long he has taken. You want to ensure you are always a positive place for your dog to return to.

 

• Remember to be as enthusiastic as you can when training your dog to come. Think of it as competing against all the other distractions.

 

• Ensure that you have his attention before you give your chosen recall command. If he is not looking at you he is unlikely to respond, therefore teaching him that he can ignore your command words.

 

• Make sure you give your command just once! If you repeat it many times he is never going to come back the first time you call.

 

• Reinforce that your dog is doing the right thing as he is heading back to you; “good boy"!

 

• Take hold of his collar as he reaches you. This will ensure that he knows he has to come all the way to you and not just grab the treat and run off again!

 

• Praise your dog and reward with a piece of food while you still have hold of his collar.

 

• If you are struggling to get your dog's attention, consider running away from him, jumping up and down and/or waving your arms in the air. Basically anything that makes him notice you!

 

• Alternatively, you may consider keeping a squeaky toy just for those instances, meaning if your dog sees it very infrequently it will remain high-value and interesting.  A squeak from a toy often gets your dog's attention where your voice does not.

 

• Whistles can also be a very effective recall training aid, please see the Acme Whistles below for further information.

• If you are finding that your dog consistently ignores your commands, you can’t get his attention, or he runs off to distractions, he should not be completely off-lead.  Instead use a CLIX Long Line or KJK Training Line to aid you to reinforce your recall command.

 

• If you are still struggling with recalling your dog on a walk, please contact our training department to find out how we can help you further.