Recall Training for Off-Leash Dogs: 6 Tips for More Reliable Recall

Dog recall training is about more than ensuring your dog returns to you reliably when called; it is also about safety in dangerous – even life-threatening – situations. Building confidence in your dog’s off-leash recall requires consistent recall training. Read on for tips to help you to build confidence in and reinforce healthy recall habits in your dog!

The Importance of Recall Training for Off-Leash Dogs

Recall is a necessary part of any canine training program, but if your dog spends time outdoors off-leash, recall is more than necessary – it is critical.

Without proper training, your off-leash dog may encounter

• Stray animals
• Unfriendly off-leash pets
• Hunters
• Dangerous wildlife
• Diseased wildlife
• Roads and traffic
• People with ill-intentions
  

You might also run into trouble yourself and need your dog to return to you straight away. So, for your and your dog’s safety, you must be 100% confident that, when called, your off-leash dog will return to you immediately.

6 Recall Training Tips

Below are six tips to help you and your dog get the most out of off-leash recall.

Start Slow

Try to eliminate distractions at first and work your way towards more stimulating environments to test your dog. Learning anything new can be overwhelming, but imagine trying to learn something new while having your senses bombarded with other exciting stimuli! With so many demands on your attention, it is hard to focus, and your performance suffers.

Find the Right Motivator

Know which treats your dog values the most and utilize low-value & high-value treats correctly. Treats are much like a currency for food-motivated dogs – you give a command, they follow that command, and they receive payment in the form of a treat. This “payment” is a reward and motivation for your dog to continue to follow your commands.

Like currency, different treats hold different values to your dog. So, a fragrant meat-based treat is more likely to get your dog’s attention than a small, dry biscuit treat. It is your job to know which treats your dog values most so that you can use the most desired treats as motivation to carry out the most challenging tasks.

Use The Right Recall Words

There are many different words for recall training dog parents use to recall their dog, but whatever command you choose, be consistent. Always use one specific word for recall, and be sure your dog knows what you expect when you say that word.

For example, teach your dog that every time you say “Let’s go!” you want them to recall. Since you have assigned a specific meaning to this command, do not use it in other contexts – for example, when loading them up into the car for a road trip. Overusing commands for multiple tasks only creates confusion.

If you have been using a recall word for multiple tasks, it is a good idea to go back to basics. Choose a new word as your recall command and train your dog to recall to that word. Once you assign a new recall command, make sure you don’t allow the same task-crossover again.

Never Chase Your Dog

If your dog has ever taken something they shouldn’t have, you will know that chasing them – usually while shouting “drop it!” or “get back here!” – does little to help your cause. Chasing your dog only sends them running, tail wagging at the prospect of a game of “catch me if you can.”

Make The Training Fun And Engaging

Which class do you remember most from school? Was it the class where you sat at a desk and watched the teacher write on the blackboard? Or was it the class where your teacher made the extra effort to make the class fun? The chances are that it was the latter of the two – boredom does not facilitate learning.

Like you, your dog is much more likely to remember what you teach them and engage with the training for longer if you make the learning process fun (and you’ll enjoy it more, too)! For example, playing recall games like Hide and Seek helps your dog to practice recall skills while feeling like they are playing rather than training.

ALWAYS Reward The Recall

Dogs thrive on praise and reward, which is why positive reinforcement is the key to successful dog training.

Prioritizing Safety While Learning Recall Training

Safety should always be the top priority when working with your dog on recall. Unless you have 100% confidence in your dog’s off-leash recall, you should not allow them to be off-leash in an open area.

An unfailing recall is essential for any dog that spends time off-leash, but developing that reliable recall requires constant training and reinforcement. Fortunately, there are a few tricks that you can use to your advantage to train your dog to recall. These include eliminating distractions, using treats effectively, using clear and defined recall words, never chasing your dog while training, creating a fun learning atmosphere, and creating a reliable reward system.

Looking for more training advice? Learn more about what makes your dog tick so you can use their natural instincts to your training advantage.

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