" We are trying to teach our puppy to come over to us when we call him. But Rufus gets distracted easily or doesn't listen and does his own thing. We have had Rufus for two weeks and he is a 3.5 month old Lab. We just love him. "

Teaching your puppy recall

Let’s look at this from your puppy’s perspective.

Puppies are full of curiousity therefore their focus is short-lived and easily distracted. Recall is one of the most important early lessons for a puppy and should be started a few days after you get your puppy. Depending on the breed and breed responsiveness, your puppy should be able to respond to his or her name at the age of around 6 months.

For teaching recall (you call your puppy and your puppy comes to you in response) the first step is to teach the puppy the word that you intend to use. Most people choose the puppy's name or words like, "Come" or Here". When you have decided on the word for recall, you must use the same word and not change it to something else. In teaching recall, repetition is very important so that puppy comes to associate the word with the request that you are making for the puppy to come over to you.

Teaching a puppy recall begins with using a higher pitched, very friendly tone of voice. To keep puppy from being distracted you can gently use a little toy or even a little treat. It's important when you begin the recall lesson to be very close to the puppy so that the puppy will come to you with just a few steps. Repeat the name or word you chose as you try to entice the young pup over to you. Make sure you don't use other words because that will defeat the recall lesson. Puppies do not understand for the first few weeks that you want the puppy to come over to you when you call the puppy with your chosen word or name.

Although it can be discouraging when your puppy heads off in the other direction because something looks to be more interesting do not give up. Follow the puppy and place yourself in front very close to the puppy repeating the name and have the toy or treat nearby to get the puppy's focus back on you. Treats are very effective if they smell good (our Pawsome Treats are made to lure pup just by the delicious and irresistible ingredients). One little trick is to hold the treat just in front of your puppy's nose but not near enough for puppy to eat the treat and have the puppy follow the treat for two or three steps while you call with the word or name and then praise the puppy with the treat. Be careful not to expect more than two or three steps because young puppies easily give up or find something else that is interesting.

Every breed learns and responds to recall individually. Some breeds, such as livestock guardian dogs, never really become responsive or reliable at recall due to the genetics and the purpose that the dog was breed for. Other domesticated dog breeds learn the word or name quickly and may be very responsive.

When you begin your recall lesson make sure that you are in a place with very few distractions. A quiet room is ideal. A young puppy might eventually respond to being called however if you repeat the lesson too many times the puppy becomes over-whelmed, bored or finds something else of interest. Therefore keep the lessons short and fun to begin with. As soon as a very young puppy comes over to you praise the puppy highly and if you have a treat or toy provide it to the puppy as a reward.

A very young puppy will not have leash training so recall training should not involve restraints of any kind. The purpose is to make the puppy interested in coming to you of the puppy's own free will (with a little enticement!). Any kind of restraint such as pulling on the collar or attaching a leash will serve as a distraction rather than a willingness to naturally walk to you. It is very important to teach a young dog one lesson at a time and then proceed to the next lesson when the initial lesson has been learned. Too many lessons will confuse a puppy. A confused puppy is not receptive.

When you call your puppy with the word or name, do not give up. Even if the puppy walks away or over to something else, follow the puppy and gently continue. If you give up, you will have inadvertently taught the puppy that you do not have enough resolve and the puppy will learn that very quickly and may ignore your call on some occasions or respond. The goal is to have your puppy respond every time that you call. The puppy has to learn in a very gentle and understanding way that there is no other option. This will require lots of patience and creativity from you to keep the puppy engaged and intercept very gently any other object or direction that your puppy may choose or become interested in.

As the puppy becomes educated on the recall request you will gradually notice that the puppy understands when you call and responds. This will take weeks for some puppies and your patience and gentle determination is required.

Puppies are naturally attracted to things that move therefore a favorite toy or yummy treat work wonders in recall. As your puppy becomes more familar with the word or name, the puppy will begin to understand that when you call you are asking puppy to come over to you.

As your puppy begins to respond when called, you can increase the distractions in the environment. This can be done when your puppy absolutely knows the word (or name) and what you want, not before. In time, as the puppy matures, recall will become second nature. Some breeds are quick responders and some are stubborn. That is why you want to make recall fun and interesting when the puppy is very young so that coming to you is rewarded and a positive experience.

A quick review:

• Begin recall lessons in a quiet setting with few to no distractions.
• Choose a word or name and use it all the time in every lesson.
• Begin with a favorite toy or treat to keep the puppy's focus on you and coming towards you.
• Puppies take time to learn recall. Make sure that you are consistent and follow through in every lesson.
• As the puppy matures recall will become second nature if you have taught the puppy the word and response you want.
• Rewards and praise are extremely important. Never punish. Puppies make innocent mistakes and a quiet and friendly resolve is much more effective than anger which will only defeat the purpose of the lesson.
• Do not use restraints such as a leash or collar to 'pull' the puppy closer to you. This may make the puppy fearful or try to 'get away'. It is imperative when teaching recall for the puppy to stay receptive and to willingly come to you when you call.
• Think of recall as a fun challenge that tests your imagination and skill to keep the puppy interested enough to come over to you. Use a treat or toy. Make your voice very friendly. Little gestures like these are irresistable to a young puppy

Practice patience, kindness, compassion and listen to your pup for positive and lasting outcomes!

Individual lessons in the Good Puppy! training series