Recall: Train your dog to come back

Ever had an embarrassing experience in your local park, bellowing at your dog to come back to you when he seems to have suddenly acquired 'selective hearing'?

Being able to effectively recall your dog at any time is very important. Recall is all about being a responsible dog owner.

Apart from 'selective hearing', there are several reasons why dogs don't come when called:
Some owners tell their dogs off when they eventually come back, which gives the dog very confusing signals. He won't want to come back in this case he'll be too afraid of being punished

Some dogs look for their own entertainment, such as playing with other dogs or chasing squirrels and don't want the fun to end

Owners sometimes inadvertently teach dogs not to come back by using the command at the wrong time. If your dog is involved in play or exploring whilst being called he may associate the signal 'come' not with coming to you, but with the activity he was enjoying at the time

Step 1
Begin in a controlled environment such as indoors or a fenced-in garden, where there are no distractions

Always use the same recall command and never sound angry

Try calling his name throughout the day and get him to come to you - when he does, give him a treat or initiate a game

Make coming to you fun - it's the best incentive!

Step 2
Once your dog has learnt to come when you call his name, add the recall command so that he gets used to the sound

Step 3
Once he gets the recall command, try introducing a few distractions by taking him outside. Keep him on a long lead and see if he will still come to you

Step 4
When you are confident that your dog has learnt recall, go to the park and let him off the lead (making sure that it's safe and allowed!)

Try going out with another dog owner whose dog is used to being called in open spaces Recall both dogs at the same time and reward the one who gets back first