Recall Training Mistakes That Ruin "Come When Called"

If "come" always means the walk is over, the bath is starting or the nails are being trimmed, the dog learns that the word predicts something worse than what it is doing.

Practice recall throughout the activity, and often release the dog back to play after it arrives, so coming back does not reliably mean the fun stops.

1. 1Call the dog during play, give a treat, then say "go play".
2. 2Do this several times in each walk.
3. 3Only end the walk after a few cheerful recalls.

"Come, come, COME, come here" teaches the dog that the first few repetitions are optional. Say the cue once. If the dog does not respond, the distance or distraction was too high for where training is now.

1. 1Say the cue once, in a cheerful tone.
2. 2If the dog does not come, move closer or use a long line to guide it in.
3. 3Reward when it arrives, and make the next try easier.

A dog that took its time and then gets scolded learns that arriving is what triggers the correction. Whatever happened before, a dog that comes must always get something good.

Deal with a slow response by training at an easier level next time, not by punishing the arrival.

A recall that only works in a fenced yard has not been proven anywhere that matters. A long line of 15 to 30 feet lets the dog practice real distance with a safety net.

• Use a light, 15 to 30 foot line.
• Attach it to a well-fitted harness.
• Let the line drag, and step on it if needed.
• Practice in different places each week.

Testing a new cue for the first time at a busy dog park sets it up to fail. Climb the ladder in stages, and move up only when the current level is reliable.

1. 1Quiet room.
2. 2Quiet garden.
3. 3Quiet street with mild distractions.
4. 4Park with other dogs at a distance.
5. 5Busy park with the long line.

If "come" has been drilled into meaninglessness or attached to unpleasant endings, a new word often works faster than repairing the old one. A fresh cue with a clean reward history beats a damaged one.

This plan works for most dogs. Repeat any stage that feels shaky.

1. 1Days 1 to 3: pair the new word with high-value treats indoors, 10 repetitions twice a day.
2. 2Days 4 to 7: practice in the garden at short range, rewarding every arrival.
3. 3Week 2: add a long line, practice in two new places and add a mild distraction.

A recall is a chain: the cue predicts a reward, so the dog turns and runs back. Every mistake in this article breaks one link. If the cue predicts something unpleasant, the dog hesitates. If the cue is repeated, the dog learns that it can wait. If the arrival is punished, the dog learns to stay away.

That is why the fix is almost always the same: make the cue predict something great, every time, and avoid anything that weakens that link.

These games are fun and quick.

1. 1Hide and seek: hide behind a tree, call once, and reward when the dog finds you.
2. 2Round robin: with two people, call the dog back and forth, rewarding each arrival.
3. 3Recall to play: call during a game, reward, then release to play again.
4. 4Run away: call the dog and run away from it, so it chases you for a treat.

The right kit makes practice easier and safer.

• A light 15 to 30 foot long line on a well-fitted harness.
• A treat pouch with soft, small, smelly treats.
• A whistle, if you want a sound that carries.
• A toy for dogs who prefer play to food.