Recall: On the Leash
Initially, it will be far easier to teach “recall” to your puppy while he is on the leash. This helps your dog to learn what the “recall” cue word means and also enables you to create an atmosphere in which your pup will learn to associate “recall” with being close to you, so that he comes to you when you call.
Start with your puppy on a loose leash in a standing position. Use a food treat to lure him into going with you. Call the puppy’s name and say the cue word (“come”) so that he will learn the association between the word and the action. It is not a good idea to let your puppy walk around with the leash dragging along—he could trip over it and injure himself, which will create a negative association with “recall,” thereby stunting his learning process.
Step 1
With your puppy on a loose leash and facing you, show him a food treat in your hand.
Step 2
Back away, still showing your puppy the treat, saying your puppy’s name and the “recall” cue word.
Step 3
The puppy will go with you, following the treat in your hand.
Step 4
After you have backed away for two to three steps, click, and reward your puppy with the treat and lots of praise, so that he knows he has performed the command correctly.
Back to "Basic Training"RECALL: ON THE LEASH
When teaching “recall” to your pup, ensure that you use both the cue word (for example, “come” or “here”) and your puppy’s name. Avoid using only his name because he hears it hundreds of times a day and won’t know how you want him to respond. By teaching your puppy a “recall” word while he is on the leash, he will learn that when he hears it, he should be close to you. So, when you let him off the leash and he is away from you, he hears the “recall” word and knows to return to you. Many people mistakenly think that if they let their pup go, he will automatically know what to do when they call him back. But if a pup hasn’t been taught a “recall” word and command he will never know what his owner requires of him. “Recall” is taught to create a closeness with your puppy within which he associates the “recall” word with the action.