The top 10 most common mistakes when training recall & how to avoid it
1. Training in environments that set your dog up to fail – for example trying to start train a recall in the woods when your dog loves chasing squirrels Try to go to areas where they can succeed. Recall is a marathon not a sprint, you can get back to those areas after training has been layered
2. Using a recall cue ( word ) that has been ignored time & time again. In the training world we call this a poisoned cue ( falling on deaf ears ) Teach a new word and only use it when you’re sure it’ll work
3. Not knowing what it is that drives your dog. What do they go crazy for? What do they love? The clue is in what they’re doing when they’re not coming back
4 Being grumpy – telling your dog off for not coming back … would you want to? Instead be exciting, be fun & welcoming
5. Not Having the right rewards for your dog. This could be anything from sausages to a furry tug toy & more
6. Letting your dog meet every other dog on lead, so naturally they’ve learnt they can, so they do. Have a 1 in 3 on lead rule & practice focus & engagement on you
7. Not rewarding your dog for coming back. So be generous and be fun
8. No training. Your dog hasn’t been taught what’s expected of him. Go train, learn & have fun together
9. Using only a ball to keep focus. This isn’t really recall training, so try some other fun things as a reward for your dog too
10. Not having a recall cue word which clearly means ‘come back’ to your dog , and only using their name. Train a recall cue word or whistle so it’s clear to your dog what’s expected of him