ONE of the most, if not the most important skill your dog should have would be to come when called regardless of distractions.
Not only does it grant a dog freedom from its leash, but it also keeps your dog safe.
Most people are taught the recall - or come when called - exercise in their obedience classes and if they are really lucky they would have been taught this command in their puppy socialization classes.
There is a degree of truth that a reliable recall is best achieved when it is taught to a young dog or puppy before it has a chance to learn how to be lured away from its owners by tempting distractions.
But if it is done correctly a reliable recall can be achieved at any age, it just needs to be taught efficiently.
There are many methods of teaching and reinforcing the come-when-called command and they are all valid, be it through positive-only methods, clicker training or through negative reinforcement. Just to be clear about training terms, negative reinforcement means the removal (or subtraction - hence the word negative) of a reward. It does not mean the inclusion of punishment.
While training my new puppy Raider to come when called, I combine a few training methods - including both positive and negative reinforcement - as I find that being able to combine different learning theories creates a more willing dog.
At first I positively reinforce the come-when-called command with treats by having Raider sit in front of me while I say "Raider, come" then give him a treat immediately after I say the command - as long as his focus is on me. Using dehydrated liver, it is easy to achieve this.
Then I expand the command by calling his name and "come" while we are in the house. Distractions are easy to control in the house, especially the kitchen where I tend to get his undivided attention, so therefore the reliability of him coming is 100 per cent.
Being rewarded for perfection with a treat and praise increases Raider's interest in the command and the desire to do well. For Raider, a good belly rub is just about as good as a treat.
Once we have mastered the home environment we begin to practise outside. Finding a safe spot outside with minimal distractions, such as a tennis court, a ball hockey/lacrosse arena or, in my case, a covered outdoor riding arena, is ideal for this next training step.
I always start with the basics, which is reinforcing the command five or so times with Raider sitting in front. Then I allow him to wander. When he is sniffing at something, I wait for him to stop. I won't call him while his head is buried in the dirt or interested in something else as all this does is teach him to ignore me.
When he lifts his head there is a short window of opportunity to redirect his attention back to me, and that is when I will call him. I will reward him with affection and a treat, but slowly begin to wean off the treats and make affection the main focus of the reward.
Taking the training out of the secured areas is always a challenge. I will continue to use treat rewards when calling him to come while out walking on trails or at a park. I will also have a backup of either a flexi-leash or a long leash that Raider drags to give him the sensation of freedom but gives me the security of catching him if he ignores the command.
When Raider is walking up ahead, I observe him.
If his head is down in deep investigation, I won't call him, but wait for him to lift his head. When he does, I call him and then begin to run backwards, while calling his name. This helps build motivation and speed to the recall.
Finally, there will be a time when you have to have faith and allow your dog off leash trusting he will come back when called. You will know when it is time, but if you are at all hesitant then consider working with a trainer who can help make that off-leash transition successful.
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