How to Recall Your Dog and Teach Him a Lesson

By Craig McPherson

Once you have taught your dog how to sit and other basic heel work procedures you may want to move on to the Recall. I always advise people who say to me "My dog won't come back when I let it off the lead" I say "Then do not let it off the lead".

Your dog needs to earn its freedom to be let off the leash. Some dogs may not cause this problem but the more freedom you give a dog, the more it will push its boundary away from you.

Dogs can judge (through experience) what their safe distance is before you can catch them. You may notice that when the young dog extends its distance from you to explore it will look back at you to see what responses you give.

If you are still standing showing no interest to the dog it will go further. Once the dog has passed its confidence distant boundary you can call the dog to your hearts content and it will pretend not to hear you. This selective hearing can cause trouble for you and your dog. It is easier if your dog has not gained this confidence to explore as yet. Once your dog gets its confidence that you are not going anywhere it will only come back when it wishes, (such a dog should not be left off a leash until it can earn its freedom).

For The Not So Confident Dog

Let's say you have let your dog off the leash and your dog is starting to break away into the distance. As soon as the dog turns to see if you are still there, run backwards (make sure nothing is behind you). Now, call the dog and clap your hands, as soon as your dog starts returning crouch down with your arms wide open. The dog should now race back to you. Praise the dog like you haven't seen it for years then stand up and continue on as normal.

This exercise will stop your dog from gaining its confidence boundary and will also perfect your recall. Using a dog whistle will gain the dogs attention if it does not look back, but only have food treats whenever this whistle is played. Give the food treats to the dog when it returns. Alternate the food treats each week to keep the interest and do not overdo the whistle as a recall because you want this to be a sure thing. Use you voice on other occasions.

Learning to recall your dog is just one of the training tips for you over at http://here-is-your.info/dog-training/