Tuesday Training Byte: Training a reliable recall

Having a dog that doesn't come when called can be aggravating. It can also be dangerous should the dog get loose in a busy or unfamiliar place. Here are some tips to help make sure your dog will come running when you call him.

1. Practice calling your dog while he is in the house and dragging a long line so that you can reel him in if needed.

2. Don't give him the chance to mess up (see #1). If your dog is loose in your back yard, step outside with treats in your pocket. Do not call him, but say something like "Hey handsome" in a happy tone. If he comes up to you voluntarily, praise him and give him a treat, then go back inside. Repeat this until your dog will automatically come up to see you on his own.

3. Practice on a long line around your property, so your dog can't get away. When your dog gets to you praise him lavishly, play a bit, and give some treats. Your dog should soon get the idea that coming to you means he is invited to fun and love.

4. Don't "poison" the cue. Don't yell at your dog to come and when he gets to you, don't clip on a leash and do anything he might not find pleasurable. Don't crate him, clip his nails, give him a bath, take him to the vet or spank him for not coming quickly enough. Doing any of this will about guarantee he will not likely come the next time you call.

5. Don't chase him if he doesn't come (see #2 about not giving him the chance to mess up in the first place). If you have him on a long line, you may be able to incite his prey drive by running away from him in an excited manner shouting let's go!. Once he catches you, be sure to play with him, praise and treat. Spend a bit of time doing this and don't just drag him inside away from the fun.

6. Don't try to lure him by waving a toy or food. Once he figures that it is a trap, he will run the other way.

7. I practice recalls with my dogs running loose in our very large North pasture while I carry treats in my pocket. I recall whatever dog is the farthest away or chasing a squirrel. Once he gets to me I give him the treat and lots of happy praise & pets then we continue on our walk. This way the recall does not mean the end of their romp and games. Pictures are my males coming when called.