“Recall” is the fancy word that trainers use to mean “coming when called.” I’ll be using that term because it’s short and sweet! Here is how to start the foundation training.
Rules of Recall
Before you even start training your dog to come, you must understand and be ready to follow these rules.!
Your recall word is a sacred word. You should only use it when you are consciously doing recall training.
If your dog has already learned to ignore the word “come,” start over with teaching a brand new word. Some examples are: “pronto,” “hurry,” “rush,” “ándale.”
Use high value rewards - special treats like fresh meat, string cheese, a peanut-butter filled Kong, a new squeaky tennis ball, a game of chase, or anything else your dog will do back flips for.
Patting your dog on the head or giving him a dry biscuit won’t cut it!
During the initial training, don’t call your dog if you don’t have a high value reward.
Don't call your dog, and then do something he doesn't like, such as giving him a bath, trimming his nails, or putting him away because you're leaving the house.
If you’re in that situation, go to your dog and get him, rather than ruining your recall word.
Only call your dog when you think he'll successfully come (during the training phase). If you're just starting, don't call him when he's in the middle of sniffing a gopher hole or playing with his best doggy friend.
You’ll build on a history of success as you raise the difficulty level one step at a time. Don’t be in a rush to call him away from big distractions.
Do mostly “surprise reps,” when your dog doesn't know that you have the high value reward on hand.
Teaching the recall
Once you’ve agreed to follow the Rules of Recall, you’ll start actually training your dog. The most important part is laying the foundation. You want to create a strong, positive response to the recall word - so strong that it's automatic for your dog to turn back to you. In short, you are teaching your dog that every time he hears “Fido, come!” he’s about to get a PARTY!!
Prep your high value reward. Do this when your dog isn't watching, OR, if he’s already noticed, just wait until he's forgotten about it.
Start off close to your dog.
Call your dog using your sacred word. Call nice and loud, as if he were far away!
Immediately after you call, start the PARTY!! Talk to your dog in an excited voice as you back up away from him, encouraging him to keep following you. Feed 3 amazing treats in a row, or play tug, or toss a toy behind you after you back up. (This helps imprint your dog on the idea of coming to you after he hears the cue.)
Do not repeat the recall cue (eg “come”) as you are talking to your dog - he’s already come to the party!
Repeat the steps above until you see that your dog gets excited and runs over when he hears the recall cue.
Below is a video that shows the foundation stage - calling your dog, then enthusiastically rewarding with treats, play, or tug. Notice how each time, I first call my dog, then I bring out the reward and talk to him (without repeating “come”). I’m also backing up every single time, to draw him in close.
Extra recall games
Play these games to add extra fun to coming when called, especially during the early stages.
Chase Me: Many dogs love to run after their owners. Call your dog, and when he looks at you, take off!
Round Robin: Have family members stand in a circle outside, and take turns calling him. The dog has to pay attention to who actually called him, rather than going to the next person he sees.
Hide and Seek: Hide from your dog around a corner, or behind the couch or a tree. Make a big fuss when he finds you! (If he’s looking but he’s struggling, you can talk to him to make it easier.)
Restrained Recalls: Have a friend hold onto your dog, walk away, and then tease him with happy talk and “game on” body language. Then give the official "come” cue, and your friend will release your dog to run to you excitedly!