How to Conduct Recall Training for Dogs
Labrador
Recall training holds great importance in a dog's life. If we can’t find our dog when it’s time to feed them, a loud call can bring the dog to our side. When we go out for a walk and the dog wanders too far, we can call it back with a recall command, greatly reducing the risk of the dog getting lost. It can be said that recall is an essential training task in the process of raising a dog.
At the beginning of training, we can prepare a lure to guide the dog to move towards us from a certain distance. When the dog comes to us, make it sit. Once the dog obeys the command, immediately give it a reward. If the dog is not attracted by the lure and is unwilling to come on its own, gently pull the leash to force it to come over, then make it sit and give encouragement and rewards.
After these actions become habitual, we can start adding verbal commands. First, attract the dog with the lure while saying its name to call it over. Timely encourage the dog when it completes the task. As the dog becomes more familiar, gradually increase the distance between you. First, ensure that the lure can attract the dog’s strong interest so that it can be drawn well. Also, because the distance is farther, it is difficult to force the dog to come to you.
Besides recall training, sitting and releasing commands are also very important. After recalling the dog, we want it to understand that it can only resume free activity after receiving our order. Until the owner's command is given, the dog should obediently sit beside us.
Once the dog is skilled enough, we can introduce some distractions, such as having a friend walk away with the dog's favorite toy. If the dog tries to chase, immediately correct and criticize it. If the dog remains sitting still waiting for your command, timely reward it.
At the start of training, try to choose quiet places with fewer distractions. As training progresses, gradually move training locations to more crowded places so the dog can better adapt to different environments for future situations. (Source: PetsZone)
