Mastering canine training is tricky, and one thing new dog owners find especially tough is to teach furry friends to reliably return when they’re called – because sometimes, it seems as though they just don’t want to listen.
It can feel like an uphill battle to get your pooch to heed your call, but it’s essential to show patience and recognise that training takes determination and a whole lot of effort. However, one savvy trainer has shared a “simple trick” that could transform your efforts, making it considerably smoother.
The trainer, Shannon, who shares her tips on TikTok under the name @pawforwarddogtraining, believes enhancing your dog’s recall could be easier than you think through what she calls “reward check-ins”.
Shannon elaborates: “One of the best ways to boost your dog’s recall is just to reward them when they check in with you.” She goes on to describe various ways to “reward” your dog: “Now that can either be with a treat, with some praise, or with some play”.
She underscores the significance of “reinforcing them for those good choices they’re making,” emphasising the power of this positive reinforcement is immense and not to be taken lightly.
In her video post’s description, Shannon outlined her strategy: “This just means that you offer your dog something they absolutely love when they choose to come to you without being called.”
Shannon notes that endlessly repeating recall drills can become mundane and monotonous for both the owner and the dog. But by doling out rewards whenever your dog checks in spontaneously, “you begin building value in being near to you and making you the best choice your dog can make”.
This training method could potentially allow you to let your dog off the lead in safe areas. “Our dogs have so few choices in life, so let’s make the ones they do have count,” she passionately implored dog owners.
How to make sure your dog comes back when called
The Dog’s Trust shared their three easy steps to ensure your dog comes back when called:
- Teach your dog to respond to their name before adding recall
- Always reward your dog when they come back
- Add in some distractions and increase the length of the recall distance
However, they caution that once off the lead, dogs are presented with a “whole world of choice opens up to them”. Your dog might find chasing a squirrel or interacting with another animal more appealing than returning to you, which will need you to react fast.
Therefore, adhering to the aforementioned tips is crucial for optimal results.
