Top Tips and Fun Games to Get Your Dog to Come Back to You When Called. 

Blue Ridge Canine Academy believes that having a dog that comes when called is an essential part of a dog’s training . As dog owners, one of our primary concerns is ensuring our dogs are safe and well-behaved. Having  a reliable “recall”, getting your dog to come back to you when you call, is essential for their safety and your peace of mind. But how do you train your dog to happily come back to you every time? Here are some tips, fun games to build speed, and ideas for rewarding your pup to keep them motivated. 

Start With a Strong Foundation: 

 Before going out to the park and letting your dog off leash, it’s crucial to establish a solid foundation. At Blue Ridge Canine Academy we always recommend taking private lessons from our experienced trainers to help you distinguish the right way to make sure you and your dog are off on the right foot when it comes to learning how to do recalls. However, we always recommend practice at home and wish to share the following basic tips for teaching your dog to come when called: 

Choose a Command:

Pick a consistent word or phrase like “come” or “here” that you will use every time you call your dog. You want to keep the sound as consistent as possible to help your dog learn that exact word or phrase. For humans, saying “rover come” or “come here Rover” might sound similar enough but, to your puppy it makes it that much more challenging to learn the exact sound. Something as simple as “Fido Here” is what Blue Ridge Canine Academy trainers  typically use for our day to day recall training. 

Something as simple as “Fido Here” is what Blue Ridge Canine Academy trainers  typically use for our day to day recall training. 

Choose A Location:

When choosing a location for training it is important to start in a quiet area. Teaching your dog a new behavior at a busy park would be like having a child study for a math test at a theme park. Too many distractions make it harder for your dog to focus.  You can use areas to train from the list below as ideas:

-In The Home

Start training your recall inside of your house, turn off the TV and make sure there are few distractions. 

-In Your Yard

Once training inside is easy and your dog is coming when called about 80% of the time move your sessions outside to a quiet area. 

-Public Outings

As you progress your training, find new locations that match your dog’s ability. Continue to practice coming when called in a wide variety of safe locations. Always use a leash when you go somewhere new. 

Use Exciting Rewards:

 Use Positive Reinforcement.  Motivation is key when it comes to training your dog. Positive reinforcement can encourage your pup to respond to your call. Here are some types of rewards to consider.

 – Treats: Use high-value treats (like chicken, cheese, or store-bought dog treats) that your dog loves. Try different types of food to see if they have a preference. Some dogs are not as motivated by food, try to train them before meal times to encourage them to take food. If food doesn’t work here are some other options. 

 –Toys: If your dog has a favorite toy, use it as a reward. This can be especially effective for dogs that enjoy play. Make sure to keep that toy special. Only use this one special toy for when you practice your recalls. Play rough if your dog likes playing rough. Play fetch if your dog loves fetch. Mix the games up each time so that nothing ever becomes too boring for you or your pup. 

 – Affection and Praise: Sometimes, all your dog needs is your enthusiastic praise and affection. Use a happy tone and lots of petting to reinforce their good behavior. When using physical praise make sure that you are 100% invested in the love. Bounce around and really encourage your dog to seek affection. If you are too calm about your praise then the reward may not be very motivating. Not all dogs love for their owners to be crazy so find what works for your dog.

Use Fun Games To Build Speed and Reliability And To Enhance The Bond With Your Canine: 

Once your dog has a handle on the basics, you can spice things up with fun games that encourage them to come back quickly.

-Hide and Seek  

How to Play: Have your dog sit or down stay in one area (or have someone hold them on a leash). Go hide somewhere in your house or yard. Once you’re hidden, call your dog. Sometimes exciting the dog and showing them treats or a toy before running away helps build excitement. When your dog finds you make sure to throw them a whole party of treats, toys, love and affection. The bigger the reward, the more valuable you will be for a real recall later on. 

 Why It Works: This game taps into your dog’s natural desire to hunt. Remember that they are predators after all. This hunting behavior is extremely motivating, especially if a very exciting reward is to be found. Think about how often your dog goes for a sniff. Use that desire to sniff you out instead of the squirrels. 

• • Recall Races 

 How to Play: Gather a few friends or family members who are willing to help you out. Stand a good distance apart and call your dog. Have your friend race your pup to you after you give the command. Once your dog gets to you, throw a party for your dog. And make sure to get your friend some water, they will need to run extremely fast to keep up with your dog’s recall. 

Why It Works: The excitement of racing to you can create a fun, competitive atmosphere that encourages your dog to come back quickly. Many dogs love a challenge so make sure to run quickly. Use treats and praise when they arrive at your side.

-The “Catch Me If You Can” Game 

How to Play: Start by calling your dog excitedly while walking backward. When they run towards you, reward them with a few treats and lots of praise. Be hard to catch as you move away. 

Why It Works: This game turns the recall into an exciting chase, which can motivate your dog to come back faster. It’s playful and engaging, making them want to respond. Just like chasing a fast moving squirrel you want to encourage the dogs natural desire to chase and catch. 

-The “Get It” Game 

How to Play: Toss treats or toys around the house or yard after your dog comes to you. Once your dog leaves you and finds the treat on the ground, call them back to you for more rewards. You can even sit on the couch to play this game.  

Why It Works: This game combines the excitement of a chase with the recall command, making it fun for your dog to return to you. This game also shows the dog that going away from you is part of the reward. This allows the dog to feel like we are not just removing them from the rest of the world. 

Be Consistent:

The best way to be successful with any training is to work in short bursts multiple times a day. It does not take working for an hour at a time. As you progress your training make sure to add new distractions and challenge your dog. Have fun each and every session. 

Conclusion:

Training your dog to come back when called is not just about obedience; it’s about building a strong bond of trust and communication. With positive reinforcement, engaging games, and a little patience, you can transform your dog’s recall into a reliable and joyful response. So grab some treats, find a fun game, and get started on your journey to a better recall today! Happy training!