How to teach your dog a recall?
How to Teach Your Dog a Recall: A Step-by-Step Guide
A recall is one of the most important commands you can teach your dog. It means that when you call your dog, it should come to you immediately, no matter what it's doing or where it is. This command can be a lifesaver in emergency situations, such as if your dog is about to run into traffic, or if it's barking at another dog and needs to be removed from the situation. A reliable recall can also be a great way to give your dog more freedom and increase its exercise and socialization.
Before you start training your dog to recall, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
1. Choose a clear, consistent command for your recall. This could be "come", "here", "now", or any other word that you prefer. Stick with one word, and use it every time you call your dog.
2. Start training in a quiet, low-distraction environment. Avoid training in areas with lots of people, other dogs, or other distractions.
3. Use positive reinforcement to motivate your dog to come to you. This can be in the form of treats, praise, or toys.
4. Be patient and persistent with your training. It may take several weeks or months for your dog to learn a reliable recall, so don't get discouraged if your dog doesn't come to you immediately at first.
Training to develop our dog's brain
Now, let's get started with the training:
Step 1: Get Your Dog's Attention
Before you start training, get your dog's attention. Call its name and make sure it is looking at you. If your dog is distracted, use a treat or toy to get its attention.
Step 2: Use the Recall Command
Once you have your dog's attention, use the recall command you have chosen. For example, say "come". Wait for your dog to start moving towards you.
Step 3: Reward Your Dog
As soon as your dog starts moving towards you, praise it and give it a treat or toy. Make sure to give the reward immediately after your dog starts moving, so it associates the reward with coming to you.
Step 4: Repeat the Process
Repeat this process several times, using the recall command and rewarding your dog each time it comes to you.
Step 5: Increase the Distance
Once your dog is coming to you consistently when you call it, start increasing the distance between you and your dog. Call your dog from a little further away, and repeat the process of rewarding it when it comes to you.
Step 6: Increase the Distraction Level
Once your dog is coming to you reliably from a distance, start adding distractions. Training in a new environment, with other people or dogs around, will help your dog learn to come to you even when there are distractions.
Step 7: Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice makes perfect! Continue to practice the recall in different environments, with different levels of distraction. The more you practice, the more reliable your dog's recall will become.
Conclusion
Teaching your dog a reliable recall is an important part of responsible dog ownership. With patience and persistence, you can train your dog to come to you immediately when you call it, no matter what it's doing or where it is. Remember to use positive reinforcement, start training in a quiet environment, and increase the level of distraction gradually over time. Happy training!
Comments
Post a Comment