Today, we’re going to delve into a topic that many pet parents grapple with – training your dog to come back when called, otherwise known as recall.
Now, the first thing you need to know is that recall isn’t just a command you yell across the park hoping your canine companion will listen to. Rather, it’s a direct byproduct of the engagement and relationship you share with your dog. If that’s a bit hard to swallow, don’t worry. We’re going to break it all down in this post, so by the end, you’ll see your relationship with your canine companion in a new, exciting light.
Often, we think of training as a one-way street – we give commands, and our dogs should follow. But let’s flip that mindset. Dogs, like humans, crave connection and engagement. And the more connected and engaged we are with our dogs, the more they want to work with us, and yes, that includes responding to that recall command.
Think about it this way – would you rather work for someone who’s always nagging and bossy or someone who values you, engages with you and makes work fun? I’m guessing the latter, and our dogs are no different.
But how do we create this engaging, relationship-focused environment? That’s where understanding your dog’s natural drives and instincts comes in.
Dogs are born with certain drives – some have an intense prey drive, others have a strong pack drive. These drives are the reasons why our dogs might chase small animals, run up to other dogs, or why they may appear to be ignoring us at times. It can be frustrating when your dog seems more interested in the world around them than in you. However, instead of trying to suppress these natural instincts, we should be looking at how we can use them to our advantage.
By giving an outlet for these natural drives, we can turn ourselves into the main attraction in our dogs’ lives. It’s like being the star performer at a concert – the hot dog vendor or the merch stand might be interesting, but they can’t compete with the thrill and excitement that you, the main event, provide.
Imagine that – you, being the most exciting thing in your dog’s environment. Doesn’t that sound amazing?
So, the trick is to turn yourself into a source of fun, engagement, and high value for your dog. You want to be that cool boss who knows how to make work enjoyable, not the one who’s constantly nagging. And when you manage to do this, you’ll see a dramatic improvement in your dog’s recall.
Just remember, every dog is unique. What works for one might not work for another. The key is to understand your dog’s drives and instincts and find a way to channel them positively.
By following these steps not only will you improve your dog’s recall, but you’ll also enhance your overall relationship. Your dog will want to work with you, not against you, making training a lot more enjoyable and fruitful for both of you.
If you want to know more about how I train my perfect recalls click here : Recall Revolution.
Also, stay tuned for future posts where we’ll dive into specific ways to harness your dog’s drives and create this engaging environment. Until then, happy training, and remember – you’re not just an owner. You’re your dog’s partner, their confidant, and most importantly, their friend.
