Written in collaboration with vets
Getting your dog to come when they’re called is one of the most important things you can teach them. After all, if you let your dog off the lead, you need to be sure you can get them back quickly and easily. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to teach a puppy recall, as well as how to teach a dog recall if you have a more senior pet, using simple dog recall training techniques and handy dog training tips for new owners.
Dog recall training helps to keep your dog safe when you’re out and about, as well as strengthening your bond with them. The end goal for this type of dog training is to get your dog to respond consistently, using a simple voice command, in any environment. The best way to achieve this is by using positive reinforcement, maintaining consistency with your approach, as well as making it enjoyable for your pet. So, if you’d like to learn how to teach a dog recall, read on!
Before you start, you’ll need a small reward to keep your pup motivated. This may be a toy or tasty treat, and PEDIGREE® TASTY MINIS can make the perfect training treats. You’ll also want to pick a quiet, secure area that’s free of distractions. If you don’t have a safe, enclosed area at home, you can train in the park with a long-line training lead and harness. Keep training sessions short and fun, and use lots of positive reinforcement. These basics are important for successful dog recall training.
You need to choose a word you’ll use every time you want your dog to come to you. Keep it simple by selecting something short, such as ‘come’ or ‘here’. Make sure everyone in your household is using the same cue word to avoid confusion. Adding in a visual cue, such as crouching down and holding your arms wide open, can help too. To teach your dog, call them in an upbeat tone-of-voice using your cue word and their name. When they come, immediately give them their reward. Keep doing this until you’re confident your dog understands. For more insights into canine conversations, read our blog on How to communicate with your dog.
Keep practising recall and always praise your dog for coming back, no matter how long it takes. If you find they ignore you sometimes, don’t scold or punish them, or pull them towards you with their lead, as this will make your dog not want to come back to you. Instead, gently guide your furry friend towards you with the long-line or go and collect them. You can then gradually increase the difficulty by calling them from different distances and in varied environments to make their recall more reliable.
Once your dog is getting good at coming when they’re called, you need to find out whether they still will if there’s a distraction, such as something new and interesting to sniff, or other dogs. To put this to the test, you’ll need another person for this training session, and ask them to distract your dog with a game while you call them. When your dog ignores the distraction and comes to you, make sure you lavish them with praise and a reward.
Once you’re confident your dog has got the hang of recall, you can put it to the test on walks. It’s a good idea to use a long-line lead at first. Try to practise recall throughout the walk rather than just at the end, as it’s important that your dog learns that coming back doesn’t always mean the end of the fun. Keep rewarding them when they come back to you, and aim to move from treats and toys to attention and verbal praise, which is easier when you’re out and about.
Before you start dog recall training, choose a secure, quiet space. It’s best to start indoors if you can, so make sure your home is dog safe by removing any toxic plants or loose blind cords, as you may have difficulty getting them to come back in the early days. Using a baby gate or closed off areas can help prevent your dog from wandering off during training.
If you’re wondering how to teach a puppy recall, the technique is the same, but many dog owners find that younger dogs may be more easily distracted. Find a quiet time when your pet isn’t too tired, too hungry, and keep sessions short and fun.
Most dogs will successfully learn to recall when you use plenty of praise, positive reinforcement, and a clear command they can understand. The secret to how to teach a dog recall successfully is consistency, so stick to your cue word once you’ve chosen it. By gradually increasing the distances for them to recall, and slowly adding in distractions, you can prepare them for coming back in the great outdoors.
What won’t work is telling off your dog, punishing them when they don’t come back, and failing to consistently reward them when they’re learning. Don’t chase after your dog, and try not to over-use the cue word. Finally, it’s important to make it an enjoyable experience for them. Give them lots of praise when they get it right, and if they get it wrong, try the training again at a later time.
The time it takes to teach your dog to recall can vary with their breed, age and temperament. The average time is 3-6 months, with regular short training sessions, but very senior dogs and puppies can take longer. How long it takes to teach a puppy recall can vary, but if you start when they’re around 4-6 months old, many will pick it up by their first birthday.
If your dog isn’t responding to recall, it could be due to distractions, confusion, or fear. It’s vital to identify the problem, as if you suspect a hearing problem it’s important to take them to see your vet. Try practicing in a quiet, distraction-free environment before very gradually increasing the difficulty level. By making the training fun and rewarding for your dog they’re more likely to play ball, and remember to always consistently praise and reward them when they come, even if it takes a while. Reward based dog training really works well for all breeds and ages.
If your dog runs off, the worst thing you can do is chase them, as it may turn it into a game, or they may become frightened. Try using your cue word again, approach them slowly, and never tell them off. It’s important that they associate coming back to you with something positive. By keeping calm and rewarding them quickly when they come, using toys, attention, or treats, they’ll soon pick it up. If this approach still isn’t working, you can read more about dog clicker training on our blog.
1/2/3 is a game using a simple counting sequence to help dogs learn when a reward is coming, and can help with dogs who are easily distracted. By counting “1/2/3” before rewarding them, it helps gain their attention and calm them, ready to receive their treat.
No! Dog training experts say it’s never too late to teach a senior dog to recall. They may take a little longer to learn, but by using a consistent command and a quick reward, they’ll catch on. It can help to use a visual movement too, alongside your cue word.
Yes, without consistent use, dogs can forget commands. If their routine changes, or if you go away, they may forget the cue word, and you’ll have to go over the training technique again. But by doing short, regular sessions, they’ll soon re-learn it.
