How To Train Recall In Your Dog: 6 Steps To Success
Want to train recall in your dog? This comes down to three key things: 1) Rewarding them 2) Learning to engage with them instead of going through the motions and 3) Making recall a positive experience. It really can be that simple, and your current methods probably aren’t working because they’re ignoring this.
Recall training is really stressful when you’re going through it for the first time. I remember when my Corgi was just a puppy and I was teaching him. Every time he went even a little bit ahead of me there was panic in my heart. But we have to teach it at some point for their safety so they can actually enjoy their walks more.
You might be feeling frustrated because your current recall methods aren’t working. Maybe your dog is amazing at recall when you are alone, but they lose it completely once there are distractions. Whatever’s going wrong in your training process, I’m here to help.
Let’s take a closer look at how to train recall in your dog and why your current method isn’t working.
Key Takeaways
- Treats and rewards are important to keep your dog motivated
- Give your recall commands value so they don’t fall on deaf ears
- Make recall a positive experience to avoid poisoning the command
- Build the foundations of good recall and work slowly from there
How To Train Recall In Your Dog
If you want to successfully train recall in your dog, follow these 6 steps:
- Start on the leash. The foundations of recall are built using on-leash training and commands. It’s a safe place for both of you to start, and it helps you feel confident so that you assert yourself better and ensure your dog is listening.
- Make sure they know their name. Your dog should know their name before you start recall, and you should be able to confidently get their attention before starting training.
- Use a memorable word. Your recall command should be short and memorable, which is why so many owners go for come or here. Visual cues can also help a lot. So too can a short, sharp blow on a whistle, followed by a treat.
- Make the reward valuable. When they come back, it should be a high-value reward that makes them excited. Small chunks of cheese is good for this. This reinforces the recall while also making your command valuable to them and keeping them engaged.
- Use engagement. An excited, happy voice when you call them is more likely to engage your dog and catch their attention. Stressed or angry tones of voice will probably lead to them running away or refusing to come back.
- Add distractions. Once they are good on the leash in quiet places, add some distractions to mix things up so you can continue working on your recall with them. Stay calm if they ignore you, and use a long leash to help establish trust and work with the distractions.
Once you’re confident with everything, including the distractions, you can let them off the leash in a secure area and work on recall there. It might take a little time, but it will be worth it in the end for a very well-behaved dog.
What You’re Doing Wrong
So, what are you doing wrong with your recall training?
Don’t set them up to fail
When training recall, try to do this in quieter places in the beginning, free of (fun) distractions like other dogs playing. This is because it’s really tempting for your dog to ignore you and play with other dogs instead. So, don’t set them up to fail. While your dog is still learning, stick to quieter places. Gradually, you can practice recall in busier places. But, if you can, don’t call them back from saying hello/playing with another dog right away. Let them interact for a little while (if it’s safe to do so) and then practice recall.
Don’t treat it like a drill
There are a few things, and the first is that you’re treating recall more like a drill than anything else. Dogs have a hard time with recall because they get distracted or have no motivation. And, if you don’t address the root cause of the issue then you’re always going to have problems getting them to come back.
Assign value to the words you use
You may have also failed to establish strong foundations. Does your dog see value in listening to your commands? If there is no value to your words, they are less likely to listen and respond. If your dog understands that listening is valuable, you are more likely to end up with positive results and a dog that actually listens.
Try not to poison your commands
There is also the chance you poisoned your command, even if it was unintentional. It’s really easy to do, and poisoning can happen even from something as simple as calling them back and putting them on the leash in the middle of them doing something fun. So, how are you supposed to fix a problem like that?
Sometimes, you need to call them back from fun things. So, learn to help them associate it with a positive experience. If you’re calling them back from something enjoyable, give them a treat when they return so that the leash feels like a good experience instead of a punishment. You can always pick a fresh command to go with it as well.
What To Do If Your Dog Keeps Running Away From You
Running away is very dangerous for all dogs. They could run into traffic, get stolen, run into other dogs, or even get into trouble with farm animals. If your dog keeps running away and you are struggling with recall, the best thing you can do is keep them on a leash at all times so they are close to you.
You can go to a behaviorist or trainer for help if you’re struggling to train recall in your dog. While they are leashed, you can use a long or extended leash to give them more freedom while they walk and also to help continue recall training in a safer environment. You’ll get there in the end; you just need to be persistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Corgis Hard To Train?
Corgis can be hard to train, but only because they are stubborn and like to be independent. They are good at testing your patience and pushing your boundaries, but they can be easily swayed by plenty of treats and good rewards to keep them motivated. As working dogs, motivation is all they are looking for (and the thing they need most).
Can Corgis Be Let Off The Leash?
Yes, Corgis can be let off the leash. They are good dogs and can be very obedient when they are trained properly, and the commands are reinforced. So long as you keep their herding and prey drive under control, they actually make fantastic off-leash buddies to waddle along woodland paths with on cold autumn days (my favorite, if you hadn’t guessed).
What’s A Good Recall Command For Corgis?
A standard recall command for Corgis is come or something along those lines. It’s down to you as the owner to determine what their recall word is, but come is the most popular. You can also use words like heel and return if you want to, and they can work well as multi-purpose commands for when you’re trying to get them to walk nicely.
Final Thoughts
Now that you feel a little more confident training recall in your dog, you can head out on a walk and get back to training. Before you know it, they’ll be running around having the time of their life in the fields and parks and coming straight back when you call them. Just remember to keep persevering and always remain calm – even when it seems like they aren’t listening.
It’s easy to get stressed or lose your temper when they are being difficult or there are a lot of distractions. However, it’s part of being a dog and you’re going to come across a few hurdles like this before they become masters of recall. Freaking out on them or getting mad is only going to make things worse, and they will likely run away from you.
