📆 Teaching your dog to recall: a simple and effective method and at what age should you start?
You can start as soon as the puppy arrives , around 2-3 months. The earlier you start, the smoother the process will be. But don't panic: even an adult dog can learn to recall, with a little more time and motivation.
🐾 Steps to a solid recall
1. Choose the right reminder word
Examples:
“Here!”, “Come!”, “Heel!”, “Remind!” (avoid “come here” if you already use it while playing or complaining 😅)
The important thing is to always use the same word , with the same cheerful and positive tone .
2. Start indoors or in a walled garden
In a quiet environment, without distractions , call your dog:
- Squat down with open arms
- Say his name + reminder word (“Rex, here!”)
- Praise enthusiastically if he comes → big reward (treat or pet)
- Let him go → he must not think that he will be deprived of his liberty
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💡 Tip: Never call to scold him or interrupt a pleasant moment.
3. Move to more stimulating environments
- Open garden
- Park, 10 to 20 meter long
- Wood or forest
Gradually increase the distractions , and praise each success .
4. The recall game
- Turn the reminder into a game:
- Hide behind a tree and call him
- Run the other way so he follows you
- Take turns if you are two humans: "relay call"
🐶 The goal: to make your dog think that coming back to you = super fun + super reward
5. Strengthen, strengthen, strengthen!
Even if your dog has mastered the recall, continue to:
- Reward him randomly
- Working on recall in new places
- Test with or without a lanyard
And above all, always keep a cheerful and engaging tone !
🚫 Mistakes to avoid
- Calling out shouting or anger
- Repeat the word (“Come! Come! Come!”) 10 times → once is enough
- Use the reminder to interrupt a nice moment
- Punish the dog once he comes back
🙅 If your dog doesn't come back, don't chase him. Ignore him for 10 seconds, then calmly start again with a better reward.
🎁 Noble Truffle Bonus: our special tip!
Create a reward bag to take everywhere with you (treats, favorite toy, etc.).
And for walks, think about our chic retractable leash which gives you a little freedom while maintaining control 🐾
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✅ In summary:
- Choose a clear and motivating word
- Starts calm, progresses to more distracting environments
- Reward every success
- Be consistent, patient and positive
Recalling is a trust exercise , not a dominance exercise. The more your dog sees you as a reliable and fun figure, the more he will naturally come back to you ❤️