I consider the “come when called” cue something all dogs (yes, I said all dogs) should be taught. It’s also a behavior pet parents should continue to practice with their inquisitive canines to ensure this skill is ready when you actually need it. That is why, over the years, I have written extensively on this topic.
You can review how to teach your dog to come when called in several previous posts such as these:
Whether the basics come from a post, private training sessions, or your own consistent practice, continuing to rehearse this important cue can help keep it strong and dependable. If your dog seems to tune you out when you call, consider paying close attention to the following as you practice together:
- Only call your dog for something pleasant. Whatever activity comes after your pup comes to you must be in their best interest, even if that is you just saying hello and then sending him off to play again. For example, let’s say you’re at the park (or field, beach, or lake), your dog is romping and playing around off leash and you call him to you. He’s so excited that he’s out playing and he comes running to you happily! You then leash him up and leave because you need to get somewhere. What has he learned? He comes running to you when he’s been called – and then all the fun ends. The next time you call him, he thinks twice and decides to run the other way – he doesn’t want the fun to end. (See # 3 below for what to do should this happen to you.)
- Only call your dog if you know he’s going to listen and follow through with your request. If he ignores you, you’ve wasted your breath and risked “poisoning the cue,” rendering it useless.
- If you misjudged on #2, “save the cue.” Cheerfully, walk or lure your dog back to where you called him from, using a treat or toy, then praise and reward in that location. After determining how to make it easier for your dog to succeed, (fewer distractions? shorter distance? better rewards?) you’ll want to practice again right away, so he gets the idea of what you want.
- Use the cue word(s) once and only once, but it’s okay to be a cheerleader, using additional methods of fore-free communication to help get the message across: body language, whistling, clapping, happy talk. Be exciting to him, rather than plain old boring (or worse, frightening). Show him that you can be as much fun as whatever he’s getting into at the time.
- ALWAYS give your dog a huge payoff whenever he comes to you on cue: praise, petting, play and treats! Use higher-value treats during initial training steps, and also periodically after the behavior is established, especially when the situation is more challenging— e.g., at the park. Will you need all of these reinforcers each and every time? No. But, they will make your training much faster and easier in the beginning, as you set the foundation and condition your dog to turn on a dime and come running to you when he hears the cue.
A strong recall (coming when called) is more than a trained behavior — it can be an important safety skill and a meaningful form of communication between you and your dog.
Conditioning your dog to respond reliably and eagerly, each and every time you call his name, takes practice and mutual trust. Your dog learns to trust that coming to you is safe, rewarding, and worthwhile, while you learn to trust that he will listen, even during more challenging times. And you also learn how to communicate kindly, clearly and consistently in ways your dog understands – a double bonus!
So, grab some treats, use your happy voice (be their cheerleader!), and build a rock-solid recall you and your inquisitive canine can truly count on.