Recall Rules

1. Set the stage

Only call your dog when you are sure you can make it happen. Start in a low-distraction environment. Use a long line or enclosed space to maintain control.

2. Call only once

Say your recall cue, "Come" or "Here", only once.

3. If your dog doesn't come, make it happen

Move closer, bend down, clap your hands, lure him with a treat, or gently tug the long line.

4. Reward generously

Provide lots of praise and fabulous rewards when he comes to you.

5. Never call your dog for anything unpleasant

Just go get him if you need to trim his nails or do something he doesn't like. If he is digging in the garden, you call him and he comes to you, you must praise him! Don't ruin his recall. Work on the digging issue separately from the recall.

Training Exercises

Recall Game

You need at least two people to play this game. Have the people stand about 6 feet apart. Each person should have a clicker and treats.

If you aren't using clickers, say "Yes!" instead of clicking. One at a time, have people call the dog. Mark and treat when the dog comes. (Mark means to click or say "Yes!") Repeat this process over and over. Most dogs love being called for a treat! If your dog doesn't come or hesitates, move closer, show him the treat and lure him towards you. You can also make kissy sounds or run backwards a little bit to encourage him.

Once your dog understands the game, have your helpers move further apart. One person can move around a corner, just out of sight. Move to different parts of the house—upstairs and downstairs—inside and outside.

Food Toss Recall

If you're working alone, try the food toss recall. Begin by tossing a treat about 6 feet away. After your dog gets the treat, call him to you. Mark when he gets there and toss the treat in the opposite direction. Call again, mark when he comes and toss another treat. You are sending your dog away from you to eat a treat and then calling him back for another.

Short On-Leash Recalls

Practice short, on-leash recalls in a number of different settings. Call in a happy voice and run backwards a few feet. Mark and treat when your dog comes to you. Work up to more distracting situations very slowly. You might start in a quiet part of your backyard and then move to the front sidewalk. Next you could try the neighborhood park. Have a high-value reward ready for more distracting environments.

Motivated Recalls

The goal of this exercise is to increase your dog's desire to get to you as quickly as possible. Have someone hold your dog's leash. Show your dog a really tasty treat. Begin to run away from your dog and then call him enthusiastically. Have the helper drop the leash when you call. Run about 12 feet or so, then turn and praise your dog excitedly as he approaches you. Mark and treat when he reaches you. You can even get down on the ground and play with him.

Gotcha!

It is important for your dog to be comfortable with having his collar handled. Begin by gently touching his collar and giving him a treat. Next, grab his collar more quickly and say "Gotcha" while you deliver a treat. Be careful not to twist the collar or pull your dog's hair. If your dog seems shy or nervous, proceed slowly and carefully.

Once your dog is used to having his collar grabbed, add this to your recall practice. When he reaches you, have him sit and touch his collar. Mark and treat when he lets you do this. Put on the leash and walk for a bit. Then remove the leash and let him run again. Let him know that putting on the leash doesn't always mean the end to fun.