Training Come When Called
Recall (aka Come) is one of six behaviors I believe every dog should know. It’s pretty high on the list of priorities for most owners, too!
Here’s how I teach it:
Prep: you’ll need 8-10 pieces of VERY yummy food — something extra special your dog doesn’t get very often. Try scrambled eggs, tiny pieces of cheese, bits of meatball, or even wet dog food. Ensure each piece is small enough your dog only needs to chew it once or twice before swallowing — smaller is better.
Hold the treats in your left hand
Take one treat in your right hand and place it on the ground roughly two feet to your right
Your dog will go eat that treat
As soon as your dog lifts his head from eating, give the cue: “[his name], Pronto!”
When your dog turns around, place another treat roughly two feet to your left
Continue this back and forth pattern of: hear cue — turn around — eat food
Practice once to twice a day for two weeks. It’s vital that you only give the cue when you’re set up to play the game!!
Why does it work?
This game teaches the dog that his recall cue is a signal (or promise) that REALLY yummy goodies are available.
With enough repetition, the excitement your dog feels about the food gets transferred to the cue and that’s what causes him to come to you.
You may be saying, “Fido, Pronto!,” but he’s hearing, “Come and get it!!!”
What next?
After two weeks, you can transition to using the cue in real life. Start by calling your dog’s name only when:
you can see him
his back is to you
he’s not distracted by something else
Be quick to reward a head-turn your direction and generous with that extra yummy food. Over time, you can gradually start calling in more difficult circumstances.