Recall Command
RECALL COMMAND
Your energy is so important when teaching a dog a new behavior. Your energy needs to be calm. When you start feeling something other than calm, i.e., losing your patience, take a deep cleansing breath and relax. The less you say the better off you’ll be; dogs understand our body language better than our words along with our energy. You need lots of patience.
What you need is high value treats or toys and a 4’ or 6’ and 25’ (for later) lead.
Be in an area where it’s just you and your dog. Your other dogs are out of sight and out of mind so you can focus and there are no distractions for your dog.
It is best if you dog can sit and stay, if not, then start off 1’-2’ between you and your dog. Otherwise, distance yourself the length of the lead or as far as your dog will stay for you.
Attract your dog’s attention with a treat or toy and be as animated as possible. She will naturally come to you; if not, gently pull on the lead while getting her attention. Give lots of praise when to she comes to you giving her a treat or toy. DO NOT SAY COME. The reason - we have a habit of repeating the command and eventually the dog will tune us out. You should practice for 5 minutes or less as often as you can throughout the day (3 or 4 times is optimal). Always end on a positive note (she performed the command). During the session, never, never, ever, did I say never, give your dog a treat or toy if she didn’t come to you. You only reward for the behavior you are asking her to do.
As the dog starts to understand the command, start increasing your distance off and on lead and say the command ‘come’ only once. Also, don’t treat every time just praise her. Once you are confident your dog has this command down pat now is the time to pull out the 25’ lead. Here comes the most rewarding part of the training.
Put the dog on 25’ lead, take a deep breath, relax and open up you front door or gate let her run out 5’ to 10’ and say COME as calmly and assertively as possible. If you feel nervous or anxious do not do this, you must be calm and confident your dog will perform the command. If she comes back to you, praise highly and treat. If not, make the lead taut and repeat the above to bring her to you with no treat. Again, increase the distance as she returns on command. Practice this command so your dog does not forget it.
There is no time limit when you dog will perform this command. Your consistency, body language, patience and energy are the key factors for success.
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