Often a dog’s only experience of recall is from a commanded position, like the one practised at obedience class, and it looks something like this:
Handler says “Sit. Stay”, then walks away some distance, turns to face the dog and calls “Come”. The dog runs to the handler and gets rewarded.
If this is the picture your dog is used to and the only one you practice, then that may well be the only time he understands it.
You also need to prepare for those real-life scenarios where your dog is distracted and not in a controlled position waiting for your next command.
You need to set up those scenarios regularly and practice, practice, practice.
Practising is Preparing.
Don’t wait until the moment you really need it. You can’t expect your dog to recall off chasing a rabbit if they don’t come when called in the house. Or only recall sometimes in the back yard with no other animals or distractions around.
Work up from low distraction to high, in lots of different environments. If you need to start at the beginning, that’s fine. Practice in the house first, then work up.
Don’t wait for a reason to recall, just spring it on them anywhere, anytime, and reward for compliance (make it worthwhile).
Use a long line so that you can reel them in if they don’t comply (they need to learn recall is not negotiable).
It takes hundreds of repetitions at each stage, building gradually on distance and distraction before a skill is really solid.
Take as much time as you need at each step. It may mean no off lead time while you’re getting the foundation right.
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