Are you ready to teach your furry friend a “rocket recall”? It’s not as hard as you think! Recall is a learned behavior, so it’s up to us to teach it. Start with the 12 Rules of Rapid Recall, a systematic way of training that includes important things to remember. The goal is an instantaneous, joyous, fast recall without any hesitation.
But first, let’s avoid some common training mistakes like not training at all or only training indoors. We need to practice in all four stages of learning: acquisition, fluency, generalization, and maintenance. Reinforcement is key to success, so always acknowledge and reward your dog when she comes to you. Play fun focus and attention games like “Capturing Attention” and “The Name Game.” Once your pup is ready, pick a cue and turn it into a positive experience with high-value food. Practice, practice, practice! With a little effort and patience, you will soon have a reliable “rocket recall” that will make you both proud.
"Pawsome" Tips to Train Your Pup to Come When Called
Hey there, fellow dog enthusiasts in Santa Monica CA! Are you tired of yelling “Fido, come here!” at the top of your lungs, only to have your pup give you that “sorry, I’m on squirrel patrol” look? Fear not, as we embark on a whimsical journey to teach your furry friend the most crucial command of all – coming when called. So grab your treats and let’s get started on this paw-some adventure!
Engage Your Pup with Humor and Love
Let’s be real, our furry friends have a lot going on in those adorable noggins of theirs. So, if we want them to drop whatever squirrel-induced trance they’re in and sprint back to us, we’ve got to make it worth their while! Engage your pup with playful antics and lots of love – after all, who can resist an enthusiastic human belly rub or a goofy game of peek-a-boo?
Dogs learn by association and by consequence. Learning by association means that dogs are always making decisions about what’s safe and what’s not in their world. Making the recall training process fun helps your dog develop a positive emotional response to the exercise. They also constantly make decisions based on consequence (i.e., “Is this good for me or is this bad for me?”). Reinforcing your dog each time she returns to you increases the likelihood she’ll return to you again. The consequence of returning equals something awesome (with a high-value reinforcer such as a yummy treat or a game of tug).
Reinforcement for the behavior of returning to you should be immediate and must be of “high value” to your dog – something your dog loves. Don’t buy one box of treats and plan to use them exclusively as the reward; try a number of treats so you can determine which your dog likes the most. That said, food is a primary reinforcer for dogs and a good choice. Timing of the reinforcement is also very important; it must be immediate.
Think of reinforcement as your dog’s paycheck. I like to pay my dog well for succeeding with challenging work. Because dogs value specific reinforcers differently, experiment to find out which foods or other reinforcers your dog likes and which ones she really likes. Be creative!
Build a written reinforcement hierarchy and identify 10 to 20 reinforcers and rank those as low-, medium-, or high-value reinforcers. Identify 10 to 20 distractions and rank those as low-, medium-, or high-value rewards if ignored by your dog. This helps you understand how your dog views her world. Pair the distractions and reinforcers wisely. Use high-value reinforcers for high-value distractions. If paired inappropriately, your dog’s focus and your training suffer, but if paired suitably, everyone succeeds.
Fetchingly Fun Statistics and Insights
Did you know that according to a study by the American Kennel Club, only 60% of dogs respond reliably to their recall command? That means 40% of our four-legged pals are out there, dodging our attempts to reign them in – and we can’t have that now, can we? But fret not, as renowned dog trainer Cesar Millan emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement and consistency in training. So, it’s time to grab those treats and get to work!
Tail-Wagging Techniques for Training Success
Here’s the juicy bit – the techniques that will transform your pup from a squirrel-chasing enthusiast to a model citizen of the recall world. Start with simple, short-distance recall exercises in a distraction-free environment. As your furry friend masters the art of coming when called, gradually introduce longer distances and more challenging scenarios – think squirrels, tennis balls, and who can forget, the ever-enticing scent of the neighborhood garbage can!
For our paw-some pals in Santa Monica, CA, who are ready to embark on this recall adventure, check out these proven tips to train your dog to come when called. Whether you’re in Brentwood or Westwood
playa Vista CA, these techniques will help you become the recall champ in your area!
Putting it all together
Training doesn’t have to be laborious. Keep it interesting for your dog and remember to set her up for success. Practicing recall with your dog in short 3- to 5-minute sessions is much better than a long session. Getting it right means she earns reinforcement, and reinforcement makes a behavior happen again. We learn by repetition, and so do dogs. Don’t forget those four stages of learning. Recall & Release game will strengthen your dog’s recall. When your dog successfully returns to you, reinforce her and then immediately release her to go play or return to what she was doing before you called.
Practicing in a safe, fenced area to practice off-leash recalls is beneficial in helping your dog learn that returning to you when you call doesn’t always end the fun. During multi-dog, off-leash playgroups, wait until your dog has been running around for 5 or 10 minutes and is beginning to tire from playing with the other dogs. As she begins to disengage from a playgroup, position yourself several feet away from her (your body facing away from her), and call her name. When she immediately looks at you, say your recall cue, and then run away. As she follows you, continue to encourage her, and then click or say Yes! while she’s in movement toward you. When she reaches you, put your hand on her collar and feed her a treat. Practice this way to call her away from other dogs when she’s still engaged in play.
Never Forget the Power of Patience and Pawsitivity
Lastly, never underestimate the power of patience and pawsitivity. Our furry friends pick up on our vibes, so keeping it light and fun is crucial. Remember, when your pup comes bounding back to you, throw a little party – treats, belly rubs, and a hearty round of applause! Your pup will learn that coming when called leads to nothing short of a celebration, and who wouldn’t want to run back to that?
So, there you have it – a laugh-inducing, tail-wagging guide to teaching your pup the all-important art of coming when called. Remember, keep it fun, consistent, and filled with love, and you’ll be the proud owner of a pup who comes running at the drop of a treat – or a heartfelt human belly rub!
Sources:
American Kennel Club Study – https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/teach-your-dog-come-when-called/
Cesar Millan’s Tips on Recall Training – https://www.cesarsway.com/the-recall-command-and-how-to-teach-it/
Now, go forth and train your pup to be the recall champion of Los Angeles, CA– your squirrel-excursion timeouts will never be the same!
