By: Hannah Guttormson, Apprentice Puppy Raising Supervisor, CNIB Guide Dogs
A “recall” is a specific verbal cue (most commonly “come”) that teaches the dog to return to its handler. It is a cue we want our dogs to respond to immediately.
Teaching a reliable recall is essential in dog training. It will be the most important cue a dog learns! Recall cues are mainly used in day-to-day life, but a recall cue could also save a dog’s life.
While dog owners, trainers, and handlers do their best to create a safe space for dogs, gates can be left open, leashes can fail, and other unpredictable situations may occur. In these scenarios, having a recall cue that you know your dog can and will respond to can provide comfort to the handler and ensure safety for the dog.
Here are some easy tips and tricks for creating a consistent recall cue:
- Keep up with rewards! Whether it’s a treat, some rubs or verbal praise, there should be positive reinforcement every time the dog responds to their recall cue.
- Practice the recall cue in a variety of environments around different kinds of distractions. This will help your dog understand that you expect a response, regardless of where you are.
- Practice your cues with different tones. In the case of an emergency, your recall cue will probably sound different than when it’s time for dinner, and this may frighten the dog. Practicing with different tones will be helpful.
When in doubt, using a long leash is a great way to give dogs freedom to explore without worrying that they may run off if they become distracted.