Recall training - 5 effective methods that really work

What are the basic requirements for successful recall training?

For your dog to listen to this command, he needs to know that he can feel safe when he comes to you. This is why you should never punish or shout at your dog during training or in general. Instead, practice with patience, consistency and positive reinforcement through praise, treats or play.

You should also not run after your dog if he does not come directly to you. This could be seen as a game, i.e. he will run away from you.

The most important factor in training is to show your dog that coming to you is a pleasant experience. So keep these key points in mind:

• Start recall training in a safe, quiet and familiar place with no distractions
• Keep the training sessions short to avoid boredom. However, it is best to train daily or at least regularly.
• A food bag with treats is ideal for offering your dog a dog snack as a reward.
  
• End every training session with a sense of achievement for your dog.

1. Recall training with the clicker

Clicker training is extremely effective and is of course an excellent way to learn the command. Proceed as follows:

• Use a 1.80 meter long leash, a clicker and high-quality rewards.
• Keep the lead as loose as possible so that your dog comes back to you voluntarily.
• If your dog gets distracted, hold out a treat to him
• As soon as he shows interest, take a step back and bring the hand with the treat close to your body.
• Press the clicker as soon as he comes to you.
• Reward him immediately with the treat and praise.
• Repeat this exercise several times until your dog understands that he is being rewarded for coming.

2. Recall with a consistent command

To train your dog to recall, you need a recall command. However, you should only introduce this when your dog knows that he will be rewarded for coming.

• Choose a clear word such as “Come” or “Here”. 
• Only ever use this one word for the recall.
• Say the command when the dog is already moving towards you.
• Stay consistent to avoid confusion.
  

3. Train puppies to respond to a recall command

• Use feeding time and pick up the food bowl.
  
• Say the recall command when the puppy excitedly follows you to the food bowl.
• Press the clicker when the puppy is close to you.
• Only then should you put the bowl down.

4. Recall training in a team

Teamwork is a good way to train the recall reliably:

• Ask your helper to hold your dog.
• Move away from both of you at leash length.
• Give the recall command while you are moving.
• Walk backwards when your dog runs towards you.
• Praise and reward your dog immediately with a snack when he has reached you.

5. Successfully mastering distractions

Dogs are easily distracted and get excited by other, interesting things. But you can also train them to do this:

• Let your dog interact with a helper in a safe area.
• After a short time, the helper should stop and ignore the dog.
• Call your dog as soon as he stops paying attention to the helper.
• Reward him when he comes to you.
• Increase the training by calling him while he is still busy with the helper. 
• Train the recall with a food bag so that you can offer particularly attractive rewards.

As soon as your dog clearly understands the recall command, you can increase the training further:

• Gradually train with greater distances.
• Slowly increase the level of distraction.
• Return to simpler exercises if your dog is overwhelmed.
• Let your dog explore new training locations before you start the exercises.
• Always use a lead in unfamiliar areas for safety reasons.
• Reward your dog for a reliable recall in everyday life as well.

Dog training requires consistent practice. As long as you remain patient and train the recall with your dog regularly, you will soon experience success. If your dog consistently comes back to you, you can also train other commands much more successfully.

Our product recommendations for recall training:

🐾 For effective clicker training: Pro-Training Clicker Deluxe - for precise timing and clear communication.

🐾 For professional recall training: Porta21 food bag - ideal for always having rewarding treats to hand.