One of the most essential behaviors you can teach your dog is to come when called reliably. This cue is crucial for safety and allows your dog to have more freedom and autonomy if they can consistently return to you when called. While numerous protocols exist for teaching recall, I prefer simple methods, as they're often the most effective. Here's a straightforward way to train your dog to recall reliably in just five minutes a day.
Understanding How Dogs Learn
When it comes to dog training, two main factors are at play: the dog's emotional state and the behavior being reinforced. In recall training, we focus on how the dog feels when they hear the recall cue. A cue is simply a signal that tells your dog they have an opportunity to perform the requested behavior, with the potential for reinforcement.
We will use classical conditioning to create a strong emotional response to the recall cue. This technique is effective because, for recall, we don’t want our dog to ponder the next move; we want their nervous system and body to respond automatically. It's similar to how you would reflexively turn around to investigate a loud noise behind you. That’s what we aim to achieve with the recall cue: an immediate, reflexive response from your dog, ensuring they come to you without hesitation.
Choosing Your Recall Cue
The first step is to pick your recall cue. The most typical cue used is “come.” However, I suggest choosing a different cue. The reason is that it’s challenging to ensure every time you say “come,” you are reinforcing a recall or building an association. Also, most people use “come” in multiple contexts without realizing it. Sometimes it means to move to the next room, stand up, or come in from the backyard. It’s casual, and you likely say it without being mindful. You want to pick a cue that you can be mindful about using, one that won’t just automatically come out of your mouth without forethought. Cues can be all sorts of things, such as visual signals, sounds, or your voice. For this exercise, I recommend making a specific sound or choosing a specific word.
The Training Process
Step 1: Priming Your Recall Cue
You'll need to practice multiple repetitions daily over the next six weeks to ensure success. Aim to perform 10 repetitions of the recall association exercise every day. To build this habit reliably, consider pairing it with an existing habit. For example, you might say, "After I return from walking my dog, I will perform the recall reps," or "First thing in the morning after I get out of the shower, I will practice with my dog." This method helps ensure that you consistently show up and practice with your dog daily.
Step 2: The Exercise
1. Start with a bowl of your dog's favorite high value treats on the counter next to you.
2. Call your dog over and feed them one treat from the bowl.
3. Without any treats in your hand, give your recall cue once.
4. Immediately reach into the bowl, grab five treats, and feed them to your dog one after the other in succession.
5. Return your hands to a neutral position at your side and pause for a few seconds.
6. Repeat this process 10 times in a row.
That's it—your training session for the day is complete!
Step 3: Consistency and Patience
Repeat this exercise daily for at least six weeks. After this period, test the recall association's strength. Wait until your dog is in another part of the house, engaged in something else. Give your recall cue and wait. If your dog shows up, reward them generously with 10 treats, one after the other. If the dog doesn't respond, continue with the conditioning exercise for a few more weeks.
The Power of Association
With this associative learning approach, it's usually not necessary to practice in different environments or distracting places to improve the recall further. You simply need to create such a strong association that the recall works effectively anywhere. It's important to protect your recall cue and not use it outside of formal training except when absolutely necessary. The longer you can refrain from using your recall cue beyond conditioning, the better it will work when you finally need it.
Practicing in Various Environments
If you want to strengthen the association further, you can practice on leash walks or in public settings. With your dog right next to you, give your recall cue, reach into your pocket, grab some treats, and feed your dog. Notice that you're not having the dog run to you to earn the rewards. You're simply giving the cue, feeding the dog, and continuing to build the association. While this isn't strictly necessary if your initial association is strong enough, it can help strengthen the cue's power in different contexts.
Why This Method Works
This method is effective because it focuses on creating a strong, positive emotional response to the recall cue. By consistently pairing the cue with high-value rewards, you're conditioning your dog to respond to the cue reliably without thinking about it. The simplicity of the method also makes it easy to practice consistently, which is key to successful dog training.
Moreover, by choosing a unique cue and using it mindfully, you avoid the confusion that can arise from repeating cues and weakening their meaning as is often the case with recall problems. Your dog learns to associate this specific cue with the act of receiving good stuff, and this causes them to come to you reliably.
Conclusion
Training a reliable recall doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just five minutes a day and consistent practice, you can create a strong recall response in your dog.
Remember, the key elements are:
1. Choosing a unique, mindful recall cue
2. Consistently pairing the cue with high-value rewards
3. Practicing daily in short, focused sessions
4. Protecting the cue by using it sparingly outside of training
By following this simple method, you'll enhance your communication with your dog and provide them with a skill that ensures their safety. Most importantly, your dog will enjoy greater freedom and autonomy in various environments. A solid recall allows you to confidently give your dog more off-leash opportunities, knowing they'll return when called. This increased freedom can lead to a happier, more fulfilled canine who gets to safely explore and enjoy the world around them.
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