Training tips for puppies: Recall (come back when called!)

Come when called is one of the most important things you can train your puppy – it can save his life.

It is helpful to have an assistant so one of you can hold the puppy whilst the other calls him. Always practise in an enclosed space, eg the garden, until you are confident the puppy knows this command.

Have your friend hold the puppy gently by the collar (the puppy should preferably be off lead to prevent tripping ).

Show your puppy you have a treat and run backwards, calling the command “come” (your friend needs to let go at this point) – you need to be as exciting as possible in order to make the puppy want to come to you – this means high pitched noises and grand gestures!

As soon as your puppy reaches you, give him lots of praise, a treat and gently touch his collar – the reason for touching his collar is so that he gets used to it for when he goes back on the lead.

Many dogs learn to stay just far enough away from their owner for fear of always being put back on the lead when called, therefore do not always use this command to put your pupppy back on the lead – sometimes just treat, touch the collar and release.

The key points to remember are:

• Never be cross with your puppy if he doesn’t always come when called first time – this will only deter him from coming to you again!
• Always make yourself more exciting than the puppy’s surroundings so that the chances of him coming back to you are higher.
• Call your puppy back to you often and not always to put him on the lead: call him, treat him and release/play.
• Always practise the command over short distances at first to ensure success. Gradually increase the distance as the puppy gets better at the task.
• Use the come command inside the house for everyday uses like dinner time, play time, walkies etc.

Once your puppy understands the command, you can start to practise outside. It is a good idea to use a long line – this can just be a long piece of rope – it allows your puppy to explore the big wide world whilst always remaining under control. This way you can reduce negative encounters with unfriendly people/dogs and keep your puppy safe until your recall is strong enough to let him run off lead.

If you have have any questions regarding training your puppy, contact our Practice Nurses on 01903 234866.

Written by Sarah Treagus, Puppy School Tutor