The most commonly asked question in my class is: How do I get my dog to come to me when called? People often complain that their dogs only come when it’s convenient for them, and certainly not if another dog or a squirrel is nearby. Too often, these people have used the “come” command in so many unsuccessful situations that it has lost meaning. In this case, we need to start from scratch and build a dependable foundation.
Establish Leadership with Your Dog
First and foremost, you must establish yourself as the leader of the pack in your relationship with your dog. You can do this by creating rituals around food and territory. When feeding your dog, always make sure it has to wait before you release it to eat. Additionally, avoid giving treats for free. Many people fall into the habit of telling their dog it’s good and giving it a bone when the dog has done nothing more than watch them come home.
It’s also a good idea to eat something before feeding your dog because an alpha in a pack always eats first. Make sure your dog waits before entering or exiting a new territory, until you take the first step, and then release it. Teach your dog the “leave it” command with toys and treats, and practice long down stays.
You might wonder what these directions have to do with creating a reliable recall. Establishing a firm foundation in training and doing your alpha work will make the recall more secure. Your dog will look to you for direction and leadership.
Recall Training
Now, let’s get into the recall work. To start, choose a command that you haven’t ruined yet. If you’ve already used “come” and your dog often doesn’t respond, try using “here” or “now”—a short, one-syllable word. Start using this command while your dog is on a six-foot leash, pulling it towards you after you say the word, followed by praise and a treat. Repeat this throughout the day so your dog learns the association between the command and the pull on the leash.
More importantly, ensure your dog associates coming to you with something good. Praise and treat your dog even if it comes to you without being called—whether you’re sitting on the couch or at a dog park. If your dog is off-leash and distracted by a squirrel, don’t use your reliable recall word yet. Instead, use an unreliable recall, like its name. This way, if you’re not successful, you won’t be back at square one.
Make sure you only call the command once. Dogs quickly learn that they don’t need to listen if the command is repeated. Also, use a variety of treats, so your dog doesn’t know when it will get a jackpot. Think of it like gambling: your dog will keep coming back, hoping for that big steak payoff again. Eventually, you’ll be using treats randomly, but while training, use them consistently to build a positive association.
When outside, use a long line while calling your dog to you. If it doesn’t respond, reel it in. Indoors, practice the recall off-leash several times a day, especially when you know it will come. Consistently praise the dog when it responds to your command. If your dog is distracted by a squirrel, use the long line outside, and control the distraction by having someone feed your dog while you call it to you. This helps your dog learn to choose coming to you over staying with the distraction.
Make sure your treats are better than the distraction! If your dog fails, leash it and practice the recall three times on-leash. Keep rewarding and praising intermittently to ensure the recall remains consistent. Don’t just use the recall when it’s time to go home and the fun is over—make it a command you practice even once you feel it’s perfected.
By following these directions and slowly increasing distractions, you’ll have a dog that comes to you reliably. It’s a great moment when your dog chooses to come to you rather than chasing squirrels.
About the Author
Kika Dorsey has been working with animals since childhood. She has trained dogs for adoption at the Sierra Vista Animal Shelter in Boulder and has worked with dogs of all sizes and with various behavioral issues. A member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and the International Association of Canine Professionals, she is certified by the IACP’s president, Rocky Boatman. With a Ph.D. in Literature and having worked as a horse wrangler for two years, Kika brings a wide range of skills into her work, including analysis, writing, and experience with a broad spectrum of animals and behavior challenges. Kika lives in Boulder with her husband, children, and dog Dexter.
Kika Dorsey, Ph.D.
701 University Ave.
Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 442-3353
