Picture a dog let off the lead in an open space just as a squirrel bolts across the path. This is an illustration, not a real case, but Dogs Trust names a squirrel or another dog as the kind of thing that can seem more exciting than coming back. Most dogs love a run off the lead, the charity says, and before letting a dog loose an owner needs to be confident that it will always come back when called, whatever is going on around it. This guide brings together the recall advice of Dogs Trust, the RSPCA and Blue Cross. It is general welfare information and not a substitute for a qualified trainer or behaviourist; see this site’s guide to trainers, instructors and behaviourists.
Why the dog may choose the squirrel
Dogs Trust says that when a dog is let off the lead, a whole world of choice opens up, and the dog may also be unsure that its owner wants it to return. The charity’s answer is to teach the dog that coming back is always a good thing, with tasty snacks, a fuss or whatever reward the dog likes best. The RSPCA puts the same idea plainly: to teach a dog to come back, the owner must learn to be more exciting than the rest of the world.
Stage one: a name, a cue and a reward
Dogs Trust starts with the dog’s name, so the owner can get its attention before adding a recall cue. The cue can be a short word such as “come” or “here”, or a whistle, with a visual cue such as open arms. Everyone in the household should use the same word and movement, and Blue Cross likewise says the choice of cue is up to the owner but should be kept consistent.
Practice starts somewhere easy. Dogs Trust suggests indoors, in the garden or in another enclosed space with tasty treats to hand: get the dog’s attention, give the cue, take a step away and reward the dog with praise and a treat when it arrives. The RSPCA offers a fun game with a toy as an alternative incentive. Both the RSPCA and Blue Cross mention gently holding the collar as the dog arrives, and Blue Cross explains that an owner will often need to hold the collar, for example to attach a lead.
Stage two: distance, distractions and the long line
Once recall is working, Dogs Trust says to increase distance and distractions gradually, eventually leaving the garden, with a long line attached to the dog’s harness to keep it safe during training. The RSPCA says long training leads allow some freedom without complete free range, and should be used outdoors once the dog is consistently coming when called around the house and garden. Blue Cross adds two safety points: a longer lead or training line should only be used well away from roads, and the dog should wear a harness with anything longer than a walking lead, as it may otherwise injure its neck. For lead choices, see the guide to dog harnesses and collars.
When the dog does not come
Dogs Trust says that if the dog ignores the cue, the owner should stay calm, because getting angry or shouting will make the dog not want to come back. The owner can gently guide the dog in with the long line, never pulling the dog towards them, or go and collect it. Blue Cross says that if a dog does not return the first time, more training is needed in that situation, so the owner should go back to the point at which the dog was coming back reliably, and avoid telling the dog off.
Dogs Trust names busy roads, other dogs, farmed animals and dog thieves among the dangers of a dog running around unsupervised. A dog that keeps darting off should stay on a long lead attached to a harness and only be let off in secure areas.
Habits that undo recall
- Repeating the cue. Dogs Trust says to leave at least five seconds before calling again, and not to call again if the dog is unlikely to return, as this could teach that not coming back is acceptable.
- Calling only to end the fun. The RSPCA says a dog called only to be put back on the lead will soon make the association and be reluctant to come back. Blue Cross says the dog will learn that the cue signals the end of free time, and suggests calling it for a fun game or feeding it now and again during a walk.
- Calling and then scolding. The RSPCA says to call only when the owner is going to praise the dog, because a dog that is called and then told off will be less likely to come back next time.
Why some dogs find it harder, and when to ask for help
Blue Cross says some dogs need less motivation than others to come back, often down to breed type: dogs bred to work closely with people, such as gundogs or herding types, seem to keep more of an eye on their owners, while those bred to be more independent, such as terriers or hounds, tend to be more interested in sounds and smells. Dogs Trust says that if training is not improving, the owner may wish to contact a qualified trainer or behaviourist, and it runs a free Behaviour Support Line. It also says a dog should wear a collar and ID tag in public at all times, with microchip details kept up to date, and that this is law in the UK.
The bottom line
The three charities describe recall as something taught in stages: a name and cue, rewards that make coming back worth it, then distance and distractions on a long line away from roads. Dogs Trust says to let a dog off the lead in open spaces only when the owner is confident it will come back when called.
Sources
- How to train your dog to come back when called (dogstrust.org.uk)
- Train your dog to come when called (rspca.org.uk)
- Dog recall training (bluecross.org.uk)