Recall
RECALL
Recall is the most important skill a dog has, the foundation for everything!
A dog that is not called back poses a risk to itself and others (e.g., chasing animals, running up to other dogs that aren't necessarily friendly, people who don't want it, or, unfortunately, running into a car or train). Therefore, a dog that isn't called back should NEVER be allowed off-leash.
With my dogs, I'm 99.9% sure they'll come back, which is why they often run loose. Although, personally I'm not a fan letting dogs off leash in crowded places, in the middle of cities, where there are many dangers and triggers. To avoid stress for myself and my dog.
However, I ensure my dogs have regular opportunities to run and explore freely, as this is a crucial element in every dog's life. I arrange walks, for example, when driving outside the city, so they don't miss out on this.
I don't treat recall as a trick or a game; it's a fundamental skill. The dog MUST respond to it. During training, and even after the dog knows the command, I use a lot of rewards and positive reinforcement. However, it's a command he can never ignore.
Recall principles
A young or beginner dog with no bad habits is a much simpler topic. Dogs with bad habits often require more work to learn. Sometimes pressure is necessary, I always draw consequences for a lack of response.
When we begin training recall, we take great care to ensure the dog does NOT learn that he or she may not come. We don't give him or her a choice, even if it requires more time and effort on the part of the handler. If the command is already "burned," we change it and condition the new command from scratch.
Each of my dogs have a different command so they know which one I'm addressing it, I only require the entire sequence of recall behaviors from that one dog. If other dogs also come running, they are ignored.
I use this specific, essential recall rarely in real life. I only practice it regularly during training. However, later, on walks, I try to use this command as infrequently as possible, so that they have complete freedom. I only use it in situations that require it. I use it so infrequently to keep the dog happy and to ensure they always respond perfectly. I also communicate with the dogs through other gestures and words, such as their names or commands that indicate the direction of the walk.
WHAT DOES "RECALL" MEAN?
Regardless of the situation, the dog must come immediately on command and be as close as I can reach him. He can only leave when I give a release command. Until I give it, the dog follows me and stays by my side.
LEARNING PROCESS
- At first, I teach the dog to follow me and come to me, when I call him (I start training on a leash).
- I vary the pace of rewarding – sometimes I reward immediately, sometimes I prolong the behavior, depending on the dog and the circumstances.
- Especially at the beginning, I prolong the behavior before releasing the dog so he understands what I'm doing. Starting with a static position, only then introduce my movement.
- When recalling, I practice grabbing the collar. In the next stage, when the dog is off the leash, I often attach and immediately unclip the leash so as not to condition the dog into believing that recall means the end of the romp.
- I GRADUALLY make the training environment more difficult.
- Rewards vary; they can include food, toys, or a social reward.
- GRADUATION OF REWARDS: A great response to a command means a great reward; poorer repetitions receive a standard reward.
- A release command (e.g., "OK, run") allows the dog to go and do whatever he wants, and I no longer pay attention to him.
- If I have any doubts about whether the dog will come back, I DO NOT use the recall command. I either call him in a different way or simply go get him.
CONSEQUENCES OF NOT RESPONDING TO THE RECALL COMMAND
- If the dog doesn't react immediately, I have to physically approach him using a leash/line, but without tugging.
- In exceptional situations, the dog receives a verbal reprimand tailored to the dog.
- I assess the situation to see if the dog was trying in a difficult situation or if he's simply ignoring me.
- In difficult situations, I strongly motivate and reinforce the dog's behavior.
- Failure to return means, for example, taking away the opportunity to continue running. On a short leash, the dog must be well-behaved and respond to every word, or even ending the walk.
- The opportunity to continue running is a reward; for many dogs, taking it away is the best form of pressure and consequence.
Want to teach your dog to respond perfectly to your recall? Even if a herd of deer crosses your path, or his canine companion appears on the trail? Contact me! Because recall is the best guarantee of your friend's safety.