07/07/2026
I always have so much fun with this element of recall training! You do need another person to help you with this and, as I say at the beginning, try to do this inside first and with a singe dog in the training space. For video and demonstration purposes we had to be outside and we have 3 dogs at different levels in their recall process to help show the differences. Always remember to use their name as your recall word (the reason the dogs come one at a time is because they are recalling to their name not a generic āhereā word).
To take your recall to another level:
1. Do all 4 steps outside in your yard on a long line (a long leash or piece of rope works great). That way you donāt have to worry about them running away at the start of your training and you can use their name line as a GENTLE reminder that you are there - donāt pull them to you, just give the rope a soft pull to let them know you are there and then release the pressure.
2. Once you have 100% recall on the long line, still in your yard, let go of the line and let it be on the ground where you can step on in if your dog gets distracted but donāt use it to bring them to you. It is a safety net for you at this stage. (NOTE: if you never get beyond this stage due to a highly prey driven or distractible dog or if you never feel comfortable with going beyond this stage, donāt be upset! There is nothing wrong with keeping your dog on a long line if you are in an unsecured location and I would STRONGLY recommend you keep your dogs leashed if you do not have 100% confidence in your recall ability!!!)
More steps are in the comments
