[Day 38] Recall training for dogs: consolidate "here" and strengthen the need
Basic obedience: Day 38 of 56
This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.
A reliable recall is the be-all and end-all of dog training. As a dog person, you want your dog to return to you immediately and willingly on the command "Here" - no matter how exciting its surroundings are. However, for many dogs it is often a great challenge to master the recall, as they are distracted by their own needs at that moment, such as exploring their surroundings. With the "here" - need method, you train your dog that running back to you is always worthwhile. In this article, we explain why it is so important to integrate your dog's need into the recall process and how you can reinforce this with the help of an assistant.
Can you imagine your dog sitting right in front of you as soon as you call him?
Goal: Your dog learns that running back to you is always worthwhile.
Equipment: a helper, Harness, Long Leash, reward
Location: Low-stimulus indoor environment, later outdoors
Duration: 5 repetitions each, followed by a break
Recall training with need building
Recall training is based on a chain of behaviour: your dog hears the signal, stops its current behaviour, runs back to you and positions itself. With the "here" - need method, the focus is on making your dog's need to come to you so strong that he forgets everything else. The secret is to see the recall not just as a command, but as a positive action that your dog is happy to perform on its own initiative.
For the training to work optimally, you need a helper. This person plays an important role because they hold your dog while you move away from him and encourage him to come to you. Why a helper? Quite simply, at this moment you are not the one holding the dog back. Instead, you are the goal that he desperately wants to reach.
Recall is based on positive reinforcement here. This means that you show your dog in advance that you have a particularly cool reward ready for him - be it his favourite toy, a special treat or an intense game. When your dog returns to you, he will realise that it is always worth running to you. This will anchor the motivation to respond to the recall in his behaviour.
The actual recall is triggered by the command "Here" and a visual signal such as a hand signal. As soon as you give the signal, the helper releases the dog and it runs to you. It is important that the helper pays no further attention to the dog after the signal. The focus is solely on you and the reward that you have ready.
To make the exercise more effective, vary the distance from which your dog has to come to you and also the type of reward. This keeps the training exciting and teaches your dog that it is always worth coming to you, regardless of the distance or situation.
Make sure that your dog always associates the recall with a clear conclusion, such as "sitting in front", so that he internalises the entire behaviour. Otherwise, he may see the recall and sit as two separate exercises and not link them.
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Summary
"Here" need training strengthens your dog's natural urge to come back to you by reinforcing the recall with positive reinforcement. By using a helper and clear rewards, your dog learns that running back to you is always the best decision. By combining the recall with a clear conclusion such as sitting in front, you bring structure to the behaviour and strengthen your dog's trust in you. With patience and consistent training, the recall will become a safe part of your everyday life - and your dog will always be happy to run back to you.
This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.
The authors: Paulina & Lui
Paulina and Lui are the heart and soul behind Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store]. Her journey in dog training began with the adoption of her first list dog, Vito. This experience sparked her deep interest in teaching other dog owners about dog behaviour and training. Initially this was just a hobby, but with the adoption of the American Pitbull Amalia, who had been relinquished several times due to severe behavioural problems, her passion developed into a true vocation. Amalia's particular behavioural challenges intensified her interest in dog training and behavioural therapy. This turning point led Paulina and Lui to leave their original career paths, undergo intensive further training and dedicate themselves entirely to the subject of dog training. Their work with human-dog teams also revealed a gap in the dog market: there was a lack of safe, high-quality dog accessories specifically for medium-sized and large breeds.
From this realisation, Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store] was born, a combination of their commitment to professional dog training and the need for quality dog accessories. Paulina and Lui bring their personal experience, extensive knowledge and passion for dogs to every product to help human-dog teams live together.