If you’re working on recalls with your dog, make sure you aren't self sabotaging. Here’s some things to avoid for better recalls:
Calling them again if they don’t come the first time
Your recall word should be significant to your dog. If you keep calling it and nothing happens, that word is going to start losing its meaning and importance. If they don’t come, first figure out why, and address that before trying again.
2. Using their name for recalls
This can get confusing for your dog. We use their name all the time for so many different things. You probably use it when talking to them throughout the day, when you want them to stop doing something, when you’re playing together. It might get your dog's attention, but they likely won’t understand that you want them to come back unless you also use another word or do something else after you say it.
3. Getting angry when they ignore you
Being ignored can be frustrating. But remember to ask why they ignored you. They might not be ready for the difficulty of recalling in that environment, or they might not have a strong enough understanding of the recall word yet. Try not to take it personally. If we lose our patience, when the dog eventually comes back we might end up punishing them. While you might think ignoring or scolding the dog for not recalling when asked will tell them to be better next time, what you are actually communicating is that it’s bad to come back because you are a source of unpleasant things, causing them to avoid you more.
4. Skipping on rewards
You might think that once your dog knows how to recall, you don’t need to reward them as often any more. But recalls should always be rewarding if we want to keep them strong. It doesn’t have to always be food. It could be a game with you or anything that makes them feel good. But make sure it always feels good to come back.
5. Not having a plan
Recall training takes a bit of planning. If you go straight to a busy park and just start calling them in hope they come so you can reward them, you’re likely to fail. Build up an understanding of recalls and practice at home first. Then gradually increase difficulty, and know what step you are at. Knowing how to set your training up for success is key.
6. Not making sure their needs have been met before expecting them to be able to listen to you
A dog that is overwhelmed, needs to toilet, is fearful or experiencing any other need is going to have a hard time listening to you. Sometimes we need to put recall training to one side while more pressing concerns are addressed first. Dogs also just need time to be dogs. I spend at least the first 10-15 of any walk allowing the dog to do their thing. No training or expectations. You might need a long line or a secure, quiet area to be able to do this safely. A bit of freedom and relief from the constraints of pet dog life can make a world of difference to your dog and your training.
We are all human and will inevitably make mistakes, in training and life. The more aware we are of our own behaviours and what they mean for our dogs the better our training becomes.
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