Dear Critter Corner: We adopted a puppy over the weekend and have started working on some of the basics. Our last pup didn’t have a reliable recall, so we want to do it right this time around. Can you give me some pointers on making sure our pup listens?
Teaching a reliable recall can be one of the hardest things we teach our pups. We typically tend to be impatient and repeat ourselves or expect that because our pups will eagerly come to us at home, they will also respond in the same manner out in the world.
When teaching your pup to come to you, make sure that you have something they want to come to. Every time they come to you, it should be positive or exciting in their eyes. You are the party, and you always give out fun party treats!
An easy game to play with your pup involves a handful of tasty treats. Start with your pup right at your side and give them a treat. Take a step away from them. Once they come over to you, give them a treat. Repeat this and eventually start to add a few steps before stopping. Start to add your pup’s name and a recall word. Keep in mind, you should start this game in an environment that has little to no distractions and slowly add them as your pup is ready.
Another fun game is to play a game of hide and seek. Have each person supplied with a handful of treats and spread out in the yard or in the house. One person should start by calling the dog, and once they get there, make a big deal about it and give a few treats. The next person will then call the pup and repeat. Start easy, where your pup can see everyone playing the game, and then start to hide so your pup needs to work on finding the one hiding. Add difficulty as your pup masters the game.
Work on building the cue in environments that are low distraction zones and build on the distractions as your dog becomes more reliable with the exercise. Always try to set them up for success and end on a positive note.
If you are still having problems with your pup, consider joining one of our training classes.