A reliable recall is one of the supreme disciplines in dog training for puppies. If I later want my dog to come back under any distraction, I have to teach the puppy what I want from him and that this command is not a request but a clear statement. The little puppy comes into the house and over time you want him to be reliable in following certain commands. Among other things, he should turn around and come immediately when we call him back.
Recall in puppies
After getting a dog, it is trained. In order to show the little one what we want from him, you have to combine a word of your choice with coming back. To do this, you first draw the puppy’s attention to you, for example by his name or noise. If he doesn’t react at all, quickly run away in the other direction and he’ll definitely come. If he is then on his way to us, you say the previously chosen command. When he gets to you, he will initially receive a reward. Treats are best here. Always remember to wait until the puppy is actually on its way to you. This is the only way he can combine the command with running back.
The process of dog training for puppies
In the beginning, you only practice in a low-distraction environment. Once you’re sure he’s connected the word correctly, you can start calling the pup’s name, followed immediately by the recall command. If he comes back, he gets another reward. Do this exercise with little distraction at the beginning. If the puppy is distracted by anything, turn around and run away quickly.
Increase distraction
If all this works without external stimuli, you can start increasing the distraction. In the beginning, if possible, only call when the little one is in your sphere of influence. If he doesn’t come when you call, you must intervene immediately. Now it depends on the type of dog and how to intervene.
For some, a strict word is enough, for others, you should throw the leash in the dog’s direction. If the puppy now looks in your direction, say the recall command again in a friendly but firm manner. For example, if the dog sniffs something and doesn’t come, you can go over there, nudge it, go back and call again.
Praise dog
Don’t praise your dog for being way too late. Then leash him and walk on without comment. If everything goes well, you should slowly reduce the treats. Also, learn how to housetrain your puppy and how praise will help.
