by Joanne Smedley

Created on: November 28, 2008   Last Updated: January 06, 2009

The "recall" or "come" command is one of the most important commands you will ever teach your dog. It can get the dog out of trouble, out of danger, and most importantly - back to you!

How to do it:

Start young; the younger the better. If you have bought a puppy, then begin training immediately. Young dogs are eager to please and will want to come back as soon as you ask!

Decide on the word you plan to use, be it the dog's name, the command "come" or even a whistle. STICK with this command. Do not be tempted to vary it. Your dog will learn by repetition and changing the command will confuse it.

Initially start training on a lead - this is as much about your security as your dogs. If you are nervous you may never get your dog back you are going to inject that nervousness into your command. The dog will sense your fears and recall will not be easy.

Provide a reward when the dog comes to you. Dogs learn best with a reward - food is an obvious starting point, but don't forget to fuss the dog as well. Dogs love attention.

Begin your training by letting your dog wander away from you on its leash. Call it back using the command you have chosen and sound EXCITED! If they don't come back immediately you may want to clap your hands, run backwards a little, go down to the dog's level, anything to make coming back when called look like a game. Whatever else you do - DO NOT tug on the leash. Use your voice ONLY. The dog will hear your excited tone and rush back. When it does give it some food and some attention as a reward.

After a few successful attempts on a short leash, extend the leash. When you are confident the dog will come back let it off the leash altogether and try again.

Keep using the food reward until you are confident the dog will come back every time. Then slowly wean your dog away from the food reward until they are happy simply coming back to be fussed.

If you are very unsure of your dog returning to you when called, then start indoors before venturing into your garden, and once confident in the garden, then venture into the park.

In each new situation, be aware that your dog will be very excited intially. Don't start your training the moment you arrive. Let your dog wander around, sniff, and do other doggy things before asking it to obey you for the first time. It is important to make YOU the most exciting thing to the dog; so let it get used to the garden / park before you decide to practise your recall, otherwise the garden or park will win hands down and you will have lost your gains in training.

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