Calling all dog owners! Want to add some extra fun and excitement to your walks with your furry friend? Imagine the thrill of watching your pup sprint towards you like a pro on command. With a little effort and patience, you can teach your dog this essential skill and keep them safe at the same time. No more chasing after runaway dogs! Check out these key tips and tricks to master the art of teaching your dog to come when called:

How do I train my dog to come when called?

• You might want to start in a peaceful and less distracting area, such as your backyard or home. Using a leash or long line can help you keep your pet close and focused during the training sessions. 

• If you want your furry friend to come running towards you with a wagging tail, try using a cue word like “come” or “here” consistently. Your dog will learn to associate these words with positive experiences and will come to you whenever you call. 

• Want to know a fun way to get your dog’s attention? Grab their favorite toy or treat and show it to them. Then, call their name and use a cue word in an excited and happy tone. Finally, run away a few steps and see if they come after you!

• When your dog comes running to you, it’s important to show them some love! You can give them a pat on the head, a yummy treat, a fun toy to play with, or even join them for a quick game of fetch. 

• Gradually up the ante with longer distances, and watch your pup grow stronger and more skilled with each challenge! 

• To keep your dog’s training on track, it’s important to practice in different locations with added distractions. This can include people, animals, and noises. Just make sure to prioritize your dog’s safety and always remain in control.

•  It is recommended that you never punish your dog or scold them for not coming to you, as this could make them afraid or hesitant to come to you in the future. Rather, ignore them or try again with a more enticing reward or a more enthusiastic tone. This will help to reinforce positive behavior and encourage your furry friend to come to you willingly.

• Make sure that your dog associates coming to you with positive experiences. Avoid calling them for unpleasant tasks such as ending playtime, taking a bath, or going to the vet. If you need to do something like that, go and get your dog instead of calling them.

What should I do if my dog doesn’t come when called?

Do you ever feel frustrated when your furry friend just won’t come when you call them? Don’t worry, it’s a common issue among dog owners. But the good news is that improving your dog’s recall is easier than you think! There are some simple steps and tricks you can follow to make sure your pup responds to your commands every time:

• Start with a calm and comfortable setup. Grab a leash and slowly increase the challenge as your pup becomes more confident. It’s amazing to see how much progress they can make with just a little patience and practice!

• If you want to make sure your furry friend is well-trained, it’s important to choose a consistent cue word like “come” or “here.” Using the same word every time will help avoid confusion and make sure your dog knows exactly what you want them to do. So next time your dog needs to come to you, give it a try and see the difference for yourself!

• Want to make sure your dog comes to you every time you call them? Use positive reinforcement and rewards like treats, toys, or praise! This will make coming to you a fun and rewarding experience for your dog, and they’ll love spending more time with you. 

• When it comes to training your furry friend, there’s one thing you should keep in mind: never, ever punish or scold them for not coming to you. Trust me, this will only make them scared or hesitant to come to you in the future. So, instead of focusing on punishment, try to make coming to you a fun and rewarding experience for your pup. This will strengthen your bond and make training a much more positive and enjoyable experience for both of you.

• I highly recommend being prepared and responsible. If your dog struggles with recall, using a long-line leash is a great way to keep them safe and secure. And remember, it’s important to never put your pup in situations that are beyond their current training level. 

How can I use games and toys to make recall training fun and engaging?

Recall training can be an incredibly engaging activity for both you and your furry friend. It involves teaching your dog to come back to you whenever you call them. Not only is this skill important for your dog’s safety and happiness, but it can also be a lot of fun. By incorporating games and toys into your training sessions, you can make the experience more enjoyable and effective. Here are some examples:

Hide and seek

Get ready to play an amazing game of hide-and-seek with your dog, both indoors and outdoors! Ensure that the area is safe and secure, and let the excitement begin! Start by hiding behind a door, couch, or tree, and call your dog’s name along with a recall cue, such as “come” or “here”.

Witness the sheer joy on your dog’s face when they find you, and reward them with enthusiastic praise, a toy, or a treat. Keep the excitement going by changing your hiding places, voice tone, or adding more people to the game. 

Tug and release

Get ready for some fun playtime with your furry best friend! It’s time to grab your dog’s favorite tug toy, whether it’s a rope, a fleece, or a rubber ring, and get the game started. Play tug with your pup and watch their excitement build up. Then, with a command like “drop it” or “leave it”, challenge your dog to let go of the toy, and when they do, reward them with a treat. Next, toss the toy a short distance away while calling out “come”, and watch your dog sprint to grab it

Give them another treat and continue to play the tug game. Spice things up by throwing the toy at varying distances and in different directions, and switch up the toys to keep the game fresh. 

Chase and recall

Let’s play a game that will keep you and your dog on your toes! All you need is a large, open area like a field or park. Here’s how it works: you run away from your dog, then call out their name and the recall cue. When your furry buddy catches up with you, reward them with a treat, a toy, or praise.

To keep things exciting, you can also run towards your dog and then away again. Vary your speed, direction, and tone of voice to keep your dog engaged and interested. And don’t forget to try out different types of rewards to make the game even more fun.

With a little patience and consistency, you and your pup will be able to enjoy some quality playtime together in no time! Don’t hesitate to give these tips a try and let me know how it goes. 🐾

Further Reading