Recall: A Training Method that Really Works

"Duke, here boy. Duke, come on boy, come here! DUKE, HERE!! COME!!! COME!!!!" (why doesn't that dog come when he's called?)

At this point the two -legged owner usually ends up running down the street chasing the four-legged animal that can easily out-run the angry owner. When the owner finally quits, sweating and furious, the dog watches him start to walk in the opposite direction and comps up to find out what all the fuss was about and why the "boss" quit having so much fun. At this point most owners grab the dog while muttering, "next time you come when you're called".

One of the most important lessons a dog must learn is to come when he is called, yet the above is a typical example of ownership frustration in dog obedience. Let's examine what went wrong and how to correct it.

First, a dog learns to obey when he is praised for responding correctly to a "noise." Our language means nothing to your pet, the dot must learn to associate a specific noise (your spoken word) to a corresponding action. If you change your tone or volume, you have changed the "noise," if that noise becomes loud and aggressive the dog is going to become very reluctant to obey you.

Applying punishment when the dog finally does obey only convinces the dog not to obey that command again. We need to break the cycle. What follows is a system, carefully tested and proven over many years, to teach your dog to instinctively return to you every time you call. It's not training, rather it's behavior modification, and if followed to the letter will give you control in any situation.

Let's Start by Understanding Why Dogs Learn

The dog must learn to associate a command with praise, and praise comes in three forms - touch, talk and food. (By the way, if you constantly give your dog these forms of praise for doing nothing the dog won't have a reason to do anything. Think about it.) Now let's apply all three rewards to teach Duke to come.

You are going to do this over a period of three weeks, and you are not going to vary from the instructions. It takes a full twenty-one days for the system to work. You will need a whistle (plastic, with a cork ball works best) and some treats. Some dogs respond best to variety but I've found a small piece of the new Pets First dog biscuit works very well. Or try a small piece of cheese or dried liver. Avoid chocolate or anything sugary, they're bad for Dukes' health.

Wait 'til your dog is relaxed, and repeat the steps at least four times each day, more if you both have the time.

WEEK 1

Hold the treat in your fist and quietly approach Duke. When you're within arms length, blow the whistle lightly in a long "trill." When he looks up give the dog a treat. Praise verbally while giving him light strokes for about five seconds.

WEEK 2

Holding the treat, approach to within two to three times Dukes' body length, blow whistle lightly and open your fist when he looks up. When Duke approaches and takes the treat, stroke and praise.

WEEK 3

Holding the treat, approach to within three to five meters of Duke, and blow the whistle lightly. As Duke approaches, begin to walk backyard until he reaches you (this triggers the dog's "chase instinct"). When Duke is at your fist, give him the treat and praise.

After this three week period Duke will respond to the whistle every time. Repeat frequently in controlled circumstances and Dukes reaction to the whistle becomes automatic and instinctive. You can start to introduce a verbal command for recall after the third week by alternately blowing the whistle and calling "come" or "here."

If your dog is running after something, blow the whistle to get his attention and then run in the opposite direction. Remember to always praise your dog when he returns on command.