The trick is easy to try (Stock Image) (Image: Oscar Wong via Getty Images)
Mastering dog training can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to teaching your furry friend to reliably return when called.
It might seem like an uphill struggle to get your to heed your call. It’s essential to show patience throughout the process, recognizing that training a dog requires determination and 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 under the name @pawforwarddogtraining, believes that enhancing your dog’s recall could be easier than you think through what she calls “reward check-ins”.
Shannon elaborates: “One of the 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”.
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She underscores the significance of “reinforcing them for those good choices they’re making” emphasizing that 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”.
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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 dog more appealing than returning to you.
Therefore, adhering to the aforementioned tips is crucial for optimal results.