Recall Exercises

(1) Name Game. Practice in a park or open space area. If your dog is easily distracted by the environment sniffing and looking at things, you can also use those natural distractions, instead of tossing a cookie. The cookie toss just creates space between you and your dog, allowing you to practice many repetitions. In addition to practicing with just your dog's name, you can use your RECALL phrase (i.e., Come, front, here, etc.). Call your dog & start moving quickly/running away from them, using your leash to reel them in if you need to. 

(2) Recall 1. Practice first in an area with little to no distractions. Then, as your dog is successful, gradually add in distractions. Distractions could include smells, sights, people walking by, bicycles, a 'helper' offering your dog food, a 'helper' petting your dog, toys on the ground, etc. 

(3) Distracted Recalls - you can do these anywhere, anytime your dog is on leash. Let your dog wander and sniff and generally disconnect from you. You may need to give your release command. Remember all those ‘cool downs’ you practiced during your Foundation Long Line work? This is where they begin to pay off. When your dog is not paying attention to you, call them and move quickly away (reel in with your leash as needed). When they get to you, have them sit, and mark & reward.

(4) Restrained Recalls - this one involves a 'helper'. Have someone your dogs knows hold onto your dog while you move quickly away from them. Call your dog. As soon as you call your dog, your helper will let them go & your dog should come running to you. If they do not, keep moving quickly away and reel your dog in to you using your long leash. This exercise helps to build up some motivation for FAST recalls!

For SUCCESSFUL recalls, make sure to practice ONLY when your dog is on a leash!