11/09/2026
Recall is one of those skills I think every pet dog should have.
Not just ācome when thereās a treat in my handā recall. I mean a recall that still works when the environment is more exciting than you are.
Thatās one of the reasons I choose to overlay an e-collar on recall.
And before anyone panics at the words āe-collarā ā Iām not using it as a magic button, and Iām certainly not putting one on a dog and expecting it to understand what I want.
The behaviour comes first.
I teach the recall. I build value in coming back. I reward the right choices. I proof it around gradually increasing distractions. The e-collar is then another layer of communication that allows me to maintain that communication at a distance.
Because your dog doesn't stop needing to listen just because they are 50 metres away from you.
An e-collar, when properly introduced and conditioned, allows us to communicate without needing to physically hold onto the dog. It gives the dog information, the opportunity to make the correct choice, and then we can reinforce that choice.
For me, that isn't about taking freedom away from dogs.
It's actually about giving them more of it.
A reliable recall means more opportunities for off-lead freedom, more exploration and more real-life adventures, because I have a way of communicating with my dog when the lead isn't there.
I don't expect every dog to be perfect. I do want owners to have the tools and skills to make sensible decisions and keep their dogs safe.
Because ultimately, I'd rather train for the day my dog sees something incredibly exciting and needs to come back, than hope that day never happens.
What are your thoughts on e-collars? Are you for them, against them, or simply unsure because you've never seen one properly conditioned and used?
If you're struggling with your dog's recall and want to build something reliable rather than relying on luck, send me a message about 1:1 training.
Dog trainer|Puppy trainer| Recall| Andover| Ludgershall
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