MSPCA-Angell Dog Training Series: Recall Training

The second installment of the MSPCA-Angell Dog Training Series focuses on “recall,” commonly known as “coming when called.” Dr. Terri Bright, Director of the Behavior Department at MSPCA-Angell, offers tips on how to build a solid foundation with your dog. For additional insight from Dr. Bright, follow her on Facebook at Dr. Bright’s Behavior and Training at MSPCA-Angell.

Recall is a critical behavior that can be a lifesaver in emergencies. Picture this: Your dog gets off leash and starts approaching a dangerous situation. When you call out to your dog, you want them to swiftly turn around and dash back to you and out of harm’s way. Achieving this level of response is the ultimate goal of recall training, and it’s the most crucial behavior you can teach your dog, as it can potentially save their life.

Training a reliable recall in your dog requires setting up controlled scenarios where your dog can consistently practice coming back to you. The key to success is to provide numerous successful training repetitions, which will help your dog build a habit of responding to your recall word or phrase. It won’t happen overnight — this will take some time for you and your dog to master — but eventually, your dog will learn to automatically turn and return to you enthusiastically whenever they hear the recall command.

Before you start

Remember that recall training focuses on creating a strong and positive bond with your dog. You can use various methods for training depending on what your dog prefers — some dogs are food-motivated and treats like small pieces of cheese or hot dogs work wonders. Other dogs may enjoy toys, verbal praise, or positive physical touch, like petting and belly rubs.

Successfully training your dog to do anything, recall or otherwise, requires consistency and patience. Your dog learns at its own pace; your friend’s dog may pick up training faster than yours, and that’s perfectly okay. But keep in mind that training needs to happen every day for it to be effective. Regular practice and positive reinforcement will aid in solidifying your dog’s recall training.

Training your dog to recall

Remember: Recall training should be fun! Do not scold or correct your dog, but make it easy for them to earn the reward. Keep sessions short and involve the whole family.

Stair Recall Exercise. This is a fun way to practice recall in a different setting. Find a set of stairs, stand at the top with your dog, and show them a treat. Throw the treat to the bottom of the stairs for your dog to chase and get. After they eat it, call them to you. If you don’t have stairs, don’t worry. You can use a long hallway or any room with enough space for your dog to run. Toss the treat to the end of the hall or room, call the dog to you, and praise and throw another treat when they get to you. If your dog is still learning recall, start with shorter distances and gradually increase the distance.

Stair Recall Exercise – Variation. Have your dog sit/stay at one end of the stairs or hall. You walk to the other or the distance you predict they will tolerate and stay. Call them to you. Praise them as they come towards you, and bring them right in front of you into a sitting position using a treat as a lure. They should be close enough so you can touch their head and should be centered directly in front of you. Give them the treat. Then, lure them to your left side and have them sit/stay; walk away again. Repeat.

Outdoor Recall Exercise. Put your dog in a quick stay on a long line (if you are not in a fenced-in area). Walk away. Call them to you and ask for a sit. Toss a treat away from you for them to find; after they eat it, call them back to you again. (Hint: if you use a denser treat, you can throw it farther away!)

Recall training for your dog demands patience, persistence, and intermittent reinforcement of good behavior. It can be challenging and gradual, but by implementing the tips we’ve discussed earlier—and those in future MSPCA-Angell Dog Training articles—your dog will learn to return to you in almost any situation.

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Need help with training your dog? Visit angell.org/dogtraining for helpful articles on training and more information on behavior classes offered in Boston, Waltham, Salem, and Methuen.