Teaching your dog to come when called, also known as recall, is one of the most important skills you can train. A solid recall ensures your dog’s safety, especially in busy urban environments like Los Angeles, where distractions are everywhere. Whether you’re at the park, beach, or hiking in the mountains, having confidence that your dog will return when called can give you peace of mind and more freedom to let your dog explore.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps to recall train your dog in Los Angeles, ensuring that they respond to you, even when there are distractions.
Why Recall Training is Important in Los Angeles
Los Angeles offers plenty of opportunities for dogs to run and explore, from dog-friendly parks to hiking trails. However, the busy nature of the city also means that traffic, other dogs, and pedestrians can pose dangers. A strong recall command allows your dog to enjoy off-leash time safely and lets you keep control in any environment.
Step-by-Step Guide to Recall Training
- Start in a Low-Distraction Environment Begin recall training in a controlled environment with minimal distractions, such as indoors or in your backyard. This will allow your dog to focus on learning the command without being tempted to run off. Use a leash or long line to prevent your dog from running away during the early stages.If your dog struggles with leash manners, check out our leash training blog for tips on controlling your dog on walks and during recall training.
- Use High-Value Rewards Recall training should always be associated with positive experiences. Use high-value treats (such as chicken, cheese, or your dog’s favorite toy) to reward your dog every time they come when called. The more exciting the reward, the more likely your dog will return to you, even when distracted.
- Teach the Recall Command Start by using a long leash to give your dog some freedom to roam. Say your dog’s name followed by your chosen recall word, such as “come” or “here.” Use a happy and excited tone to encourage them to come to you. When they do, reward them immediately with treats and praise.
- Increase Distance Gradually As your dog becomes more reliable with the recall command, gradually increase the distance between you and your dog. Start in a low-distraction environment and gradually move to more challenging areas. Continue rewarding your dog every time they come when called.
- Introduce Distractions Slowly Once your dog consistently comes when called in quiet areas, start practicing in more distracting environments like parks, beaches, or busy streets. Use the same method, but be prepared for more challenging situations. Stay patient and continue using high-value rewards to reinforce the behavior.For dogs that tend to get overly excited or distracted, read our blog on calming an overexcited dog for tips on managing excitement during recall training.
- Use a Long Line for Off-Leash Practice When you’re ready to practice recall off-leash, use a long training line. This allows your dog to explore while still giving you control if they become distracted. If your dog doesn’t come right away, gently reel them in while repeating the recall command and rewarding them when they reach you.If you plan to practice off-leash in public places, it’s important that your dog is well-socialized. Learn more about socializing your dog to prepare them for off-leash interactions.
Tips for Strengthening Recall
- Don’t Use Recall to End Fun One common mistake is only calling your dog to end something fun, like playtime at the park. This can cause your dog to associate the recall command with something negative. Instead, call your dog to you throughout their playtime, reward them, and then release them back to play. This reinforces that coming to you doesn’t always mean the fun is over.
- Don’t Punish Your Dog Never punish your dog for coming to you, even if they took a while or didn’t come immediately. If your dog gets punished after coming, they’ll start associating recall with something negative and will be less likely to obey in the future.
- Make Recall a Game Turning recall into a game makes it more fun for your dog. Play hide-and-seek in the house or yard, where you hide and call your dog to find you. When they do, give them a big reward. This keeps the training fun and builds excitement for coming when called.If your dog struggles with excessive barking or other behaviors during recall training, check out our guide on barking control for tips on reducing distractions during training.
Common Challenges with Recall Training
- Distractions Los Angeles is full of distractions, from other dogs to loud noises to wildlife. To combat this, start practicing in low-distraction areas and gradually work your way up to more stimulating environments. Be patient and use high-value treats to keep your dog’s attention.For dogs that have trouble focusing due to anxiety, read our blog on dealing with fearful dogs for strategies to build their confidence in different environments.
- Ignoring the Command If your dog starts ignoring the recall command, go back to practicing in low-distraction environments. You may need to strengthen the reward or make the training more fun by incorporating games or their favorite activities.
- Overexcitement Some dogs get overly excited by certain stimuli (like other dogs or squirrels) and may not listen to the recall command. In these cases, practicing impulse control and reinforcing the “come” command in controlled environments will help. Make sure to reward calm behavior and teach your dog that returning to you is always a positive experience.
Final Tips for Successful Recall Training
- Be Patient: Recall takes time to master, so be consistent and patient with your dog as they learn.
- Use High-Value Rewards: Always use your dog’s favorite treats or toys during recall training, especially in distracting environments.
- Stay Positive: Keep recall training fun and exciting for your dog to ensure they enjoy coming to you.
Internal Resources to Improve Recall Training
Recall training is a vital part of off-leash obedience, but it’s just one aspect of having a well-mannered dog. To help with distractions, overexcitement, or public interactions, explore our other blogs from Tri Force K9:
- Leash Training – Build a foundation of good behavior on-leash before progressing to off-leash recall.
- Socializing Your Dog – Proper socialization is key to successful recall in public places.
- Calming an Overexcited Dog – Help your dog stay calm and focused during recall training.