Recall (“Come”)
The recall is arguably the most important command we can teach our dogs. It is also a very difficult command to perfect and practice with distractions. How we define “come” or recall to a dog can make a big difference in how quickly they understand the position, and how we can use that command and position to accomplish other goals.
We teach come as a position in relation to the handler. On the command to “come,” the dog should sit in front of the handler, facing them and maintain eye contact. Regardless of how much practice your dog has with the recall command, as we introduce these new criteria to our dogs, pretend as if it is the first time they have every heard the command in their life. It takes many repetitions to master this skill, so be patient and don’t expect perfection because you think “he KNOWS this already.” The dog probably doesn’t know the skill as well as you think they do.
Disclaimer: Moving forward, only call your dog when you are 100% certain that they will come to you. We don’t want them to learn that the recall command is optional, or that you can only enforce the command when they are on a leash. The solution? Keep them on a leash or long line at all times so you always have the option of reeling them in after you’ve called them, OR don’t call them. If they have stolen a shoe and are playing keep away around the house, walk them down calmly to collect them. If we call them in those situations, we are teaching them that not responding to the come command is OK in certain situations.
Formal Recall
- Start with you dog six feet away from you. They can be on a place command, or in a sit/stay.
- Stand facing the dog, at the end of the leash.
- Give the command “come.”
- Praise the dog continuously as they move toward you.
- If the dog does not move, or moves away from you, take several steps backwards. Since you are at the end of the leash, doing so will pull the dog towards you.
- When the dog is within two feet, give the command to “sit” and guide them into position with the leash or with a food lure if necessary.
- Praise.
- Give the command to “stay.”
- Walk in a counterclockwise circle around your dog to get back into heel position.
- Praise again.
- Exercise Finish.
In the video below, Raechel demonstrates with Lady a formal recall from a sit/stay. Notice that she uses a food lure to help her sit straight in front when she gets into position. Notice also that she puts her leash back into walking position when she returns to heel position at the end.
In the video below, Ryan demonstrates reeling the dog into position with Oshie, who is isn’t very food motivated. Luring is easier for us to do mechanically, but not always an option if our dog is very distracted, or not motivated by food.
As you practice recalls, you might notice that your sit/stay deteriorates since the dog will start to anticipate that you’ll call them and start coming towards you before being asked. That is normal, but something we need to work to avoid. Make sure that you also practice plenty of sit/stays where you don’t call your dog during this time, and keep your standards for sit/stay high. If they break the sit/stay to come to you, correct them for breaking the sit/stay. In the video below, Rhu needs a reminder to stay seated for the stay as Ryan returns to heel position after a recall. Feel free to take a break on recalls if you notice this happening a lot and refresh their memory of stay.
If your dog sits off to the side, or sits at an angle in front of you (they WILL occasionally give you bad fronts, especially in the beginning stages of training), you can get them into a better position without having to start all over. In the video below, Raechel demonstrates with Lady how to fix a crooked front. Once the dog is sitting near you, take one step backwards, reissue the “come” command, and lure them with a cookie to help them straighten up. You can also reel them in as you step back with the leash if your dog is not food motivated.
Complete at least 25 recalls each day. Make sure to practice in different locations and with different distractions.