word while still working on it, but use an unreliable recall, like its name. That way, if you aren’t successful, you won’t be back to square one. 

Make sure you only call out your command once. Dogs learn quickly that they don’t have to listen to a command if it is repeated again and again. Also, make sure you are using good treats and a variety of treats and vary the amount, so that your dog doesn’t know when it will hit the jackpot. It’s like gambling; your dog will keep coming back in hope of hitting that big steak payoff again. Eventually you’ll be using treats randomly, but while in training use treats consistently, to program the positive association.

Begin using a long-line when outside, calling the dog to you and reeling it in if it doesn’t respond. Use the command indoors several times a day off leash, when you know it will come. Make sure you consistently praise the dog when it comes to you. Use the long line outside when your dog is distracted by a squirrel. Control distraction by having a person feed your dog while you call it to you, so that it learns to make the choice to come to you instead of staying where the distraction is. Make sure your treats are better. If the dog fails, leash it and practice the recall three times on leash. Keep up treating it intermittently and praising it to make sure the recall remains consistent, and don’t only use the recall command when it’s time to go home and the fun is over. Make it a command you work on even after you feel you have it down.   

If you follow these directions and slowly increase distraction, you will have a dog that comes to you reliably, and it’s a great moment when your dog chooses to come to you instead of chasing squirrels. 

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Newsletter created by Jennifer Turco, Peak Design Services. Published by Dog City, LLC.  Copyright © 2005 Dog City, LLC.  All rights reserved.