Help with Come or Recall

by Diane - Online Dog Coach

Lesson: Come or Recall in Basic FUNdamentals

Rewards

As always, find Treats and Rewards that work best for your dog. For the come or recall command it is really important to use a high-value treat. Why? Training with a high-value makes coming to you an irresistible response to the command come. This is especially important when your dog is in a potentially dangerous situation. For example, you a hiking in the woods and you stumble upon unfriendly wildlife or your dog is in the street with on coming traffic.

Timing

Remember to only reward your dog when he or she has come all the way to you and you have a hold of their collar.

Process

Other ways to entice your dog to come is to run the opposite direction or lower your head and body making crazy noises. Your dog will be so intrigued by the odd behavior that his or her curiosity will bring them to you. When your dog comes to you, make a big fuss and treat, treat, treat.
Remember not to chase after your dog as this encourages the “you can’t catch me game”?
Make it fun by playing hide and seek. Have someone hold onto to your dog’s collar. You go hide and issue the dog’s name and “come” . Keep in mind to start in close range so the dog is successful.

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About the Author

Diane has professionally trained dogs in obedience, agility, and freestyle dog dancing for more than 20 years in Florida and Colorado. Her dogs have competed and have earned titles in AKC and NADAC agility, Obedience, and Flyball.