02/06/2026
ARE YOU RUINING YOUR DOG'S RECALL
One of the most common mistakes I see with recall is when owners call their dog to them, and then they do something not enjoyable for their dog.
For example, you call your dog to you, they come, and then you put him/her on a leash and leave the park. If you do that enough times your dog is going to start associating the recall cue with the "bad" thing of leaving the park.
Or, calling your dog to you and then putting them in the bath.
Or, calling your dog to you and then brushing their teeth.
Or, calling your dog to you and then clipping their nails.
You give a cue, they perform it and then... a negative experience happens (in their mind).
When this happens too many times, your dog will start to associate "come" with negative things. And when that happens, your dog will STOP wanting to come back to you.
So, instead of calling your dog to you when you're gonna do something they may not like, YOU should go to them.
Or, if you must call them to you, give a couple of other cues in between the "come" and the not desirable thing.
If my dog is running at the acreage and we need to leave, I don't call my dog to me and then instantly leash her up and put her in the car. Instead, I call her to me, give a few short throws of her frisbee once she comes, and then when she comes back (for another throw), I give her some treats, and some pets and then clip her leash on.
Simply put, every time your dog comes to you there should be a positive experience. Don't let negative experiences immediately follow when your dog successfully comes back to you!
Do you need help with your recall?!
