Fall walks around Centennial give dogs plenty to think about: drifting leaves, busy squirrels, neighbor dogs and a sidewalk full of fresh smells. Coming back when called has to compete with all of it.
Earlier Kacy's Corner columns laid the groundwork. The walks column covered a clear "Yes" marker, check-ins and using sniffing as a reward. The calm column covered settling and changing the situation instead of repeating cues. This week those pieces come together in a skill the series hasn't tackled yet: a recall your dog actually wants to answer.
Why a kind recall works
Red Dog Behavior describes its training as force-free and relationship-based, built on trust and mutual understanding. The calm column noted that the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) supports reward-based methods. For recall, that means the goal is simple. Coming back to you should be one of the best deals on the walk, and it should often lead straight back to the fun.
Five steps to practice this week
Pick one cue and protect it. Choose a single word, such as "Here" or "Come," and use it only when you're ready to reward. Say it once. If your dog doesn't respond, don't repeat it. Change the situation instead: step back, move away from the distraction or make the next try easier.
Start where success is easy. Begin indoors, a few feet away, when your dog is already glancing at you. Say the cue, mark "Yes" the moment your dog reaches you, then hand over a treat your dog truly loves.
Add the release. After the treat, say "Go sniff" and let your dog return to exploring. Because the walks column treats sniffing as a reward, the release does two jobs. It pays your dog a second time, and it teaches that answering the cue doesn't mean the good stuff is over.
Bring it on the leash. On a regular neighborhood walk, wait until your dog is sniffing on a loose leash. Say the cue and back up a step or two. Mark "Yes" as your dog turns and arrives, then treat and release to sniff again. Leash-length recalls fit into any walk you're already taking.
Grow it slowly. Add a bit more distraction only when your dog is turning toward you quickly and happily. If a recall falls apart, that's useful information. Make the next one easier and keep it upbeat.
This week's Five-Minute Challenge
This borrows the walks column's recurring challenge. During one walk this week, practice five leash-length recalls. Give each one a generous reward and a "Go sniff" release. Notice how quickly your dog turns toward you by the fifth try. Speed and enthusiasm count more than distance right now.
Want help?
Kacy Presba of Red Dog Behavior has more than 20 years of experience. Her work ranges from basic obedience to fear and aggression cases, and she is a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator. Centennial Paws & Purpose subscribers can book a free 30-minute Zoom consult; mention Centennial Pulse or Paws & Purpose. Visit RedDogBehavior.com, call 303-356-9330 or email kpresba@gmail.com. |
Come Back, Get Paid: A Kind Recall Skill for Centennial's Fall Walks |
This week's Kacy's Corner teaches a reward-based recall in five steps, from indoor practice to leash-length call-backs on neighborhood walks. It finishes with a five-recall challenge and a "Go sniff" release. |
11 Comments
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I signed up for a consult with Kacy two years ago for our rescue shepherd and she was so helpful. Highly recommend if anyone is struggling with recall or leash stuff.
Not sure about all the treat giving...doesn't this spoil dogs? My folks didn't use treats and our Labs turned out fine.
We started using 'Go sniff' after every recall and walks are way smoother now. Our old routine was just calling her back for the leash. This is a big difference.
I like this method, but what do you do if the dog really just refuses to come? I feel like moving away doesn’t always fix it. Would love more ideas.
Wish I had started these habits when my pup was little. He’s pretty set in his ways now. Might still try it though, because he loves treats!
Does this work for stubborn hounds too? Mine gets obsessed with a scent and barely knows I exist. Maybe the double reward will help.
Props to Kacy for making these columns practical and easy to try! Reward-based training always works better for my dogs. That leash-length recall makes sense.
Love the idea of checking enthusiasm, not just distance. Sometimes my golden does loop-de-loops when she hears 'here', other times it's like she forgot her own name.
Honestly never thought to only use the recall word when I know I can pay out. I say 'come' like 10 times sometimes and she ignores at least half. Will try to be more careful about it now.
That small change, protecting your recall word, can truly make a difference in how your dog responds, so you’re on the right track by being mindful about it.
I always thought my dog just ignored me on purpose when we were outside, but maybe I was making it too boring to come back! Going to try higher value treats and that 'go sniff' reward this evening.