"Lassi, come here!" . This is a typical example of dog training. It's about getting the dog to listen to your commands, so that it comes to you when you want it to. Training means that you can let your dog go free when it's not on a leash. This gives both you and your best friend a lot of freedom in everyday life - and a lot of joy!
Build confidence before training
A good relationship between you and your dog is essential before it starts listening to your commands and wishes. That is, before you start training on recall, you should have built a good foundation of trust. A close social bond, that it really feels like part of the family, is more important than you might think. When you finally start training on recall, you need to maintain "the good mood". Your positive attitude is crucial to success. Positive energy rubs off on your four-legged friend, so you should be encouraging in training. Such an attitude will make it more fun for the dog to listen to you - and encourage it to learn.
5 tips for summoning a dog
- Start your training in a calm, comfortable and familiar environment.
- Give the reward when it comes to you.
- Avoid punishment.
- Make sure your training is varied.
- Be consistent!
How to get your dog to come when called
Exercise in a quiet place
It is important that you practice recall in a place where there are not too many distractions, such as no neighbor's dog or large crowds. Your own garden is a good place to start, for example.
Reward
Use positive reinforcement and reward your dog with treats when he comes to you when you call him. What you should give as a reward varies from dog to dog, so you should base this on what your buddy prefers.
Do not scold or punish the dog
If you punish your dog, there is a risk that he will associate recall with something negative. This will also damage the trust between you. Trust and joy are essential for a good relationship, which is of course something that all dog owners want with their four-legged friend. A good relationship is created by problem solving and fun activities. The more stimulated the dog is, the better your relationship will be and the greater the likelihood of creating a stable recall.
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Varied training
A varied training program with gradual challenges is the key to success. This involves gradually increasing the distance between you and your dog, practicing recall in different situations and environments, and increasing distractions as the training progresses.
Consistent training
Having a routine for training is important. This applies to both the frequency of training and the techniques you use. Keep the commands and rewards the same so your dog knows what is expected of him.
Got a puppy? Start training it to recall
When you get a puppy, recall is one of the first training tasks you will undertake. You want to give your puppy the opportunity to run free and not be constantly on a leash . To achieve this, he must listen and come to you when you call him. As a general rule, you should use your dog's name actively in the recall, and preferably before you say "come here." Your puppy is receptive to learning, so use the same command and its name frequently. Also, remember to reward it, be happy and do not yell at it. This way it associates its name with something positive.
Find more tips for those of you who have just become a dog owner
Training recall with an adult dog
You can train recall with an adult dog as well as a puppy. There may be some different prerequisites for the training, and some of the tips work better than others. That said, an adult dog has more experience and knowledge, and therefore good prerequisites for learning new tricks. Build on positive reinforcement and praise it when you see the behavior you want. Also, make sure that the training is short, fun and regular. Older dogs appreciate routines and stimuli. Achieving a stable recall can take time, and it is important to tailor the training to the dog's needs and already established behavior patterns.
Patience is crucial in training
Be patient when training your dog to recall. The amount of time it takes to train recall varies depending on personality, breed, and circumstances. Breeds with strong hunting instincts or independent breeds may struggle with recall training and maintaining a stable recall. If this applies to your dog, you can use a long 15 to 20 meter lead . It will be allowed to stretch its legs and enjoy some freedom, but there is no risk of it running away. It is also important to give your dog the opportunity to learn. This means considering recall as an interval in training, where all training will reinforce each other. With regular training and positive reinforcement, your dog will eventually master recall and other skills.
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Frequently asked questions about summons
Why is summons important?
If your dog does not listen to the call, this can be a breeding ground for irritation, discomfort and dangerous situations. The dog can disappear, run into traffic and you can get tired and it can get stressed. Therefore, good call is an important means of creating security and friendship. Be patient in training, and build a relationship based on trust and respect.
What do you do when your dog won't come to you?
If recalling does not work optimally, you can use a long leash . This gives the dog freedom while giving you the option to stop it if it does not come to you.
What do you do when your dog doesn't want to walk?
A dog that doesn't want to go, either on a walk or not moving from its spot, can be frustrating. This can be due to stress, major distractions, or the fact that it hasn't learned good routines to feel safe in its surroundings. Recall training can do a lot here, especially in combination with leash training and other trust exercises.
How to practice summoning with a whistle?
Use the whistle to signal something positive. Your dog will eventually associate the sound of the whistle with a reward or doing something right. For example, blow the whistle every time you give a command and remember to give a treat when it comes to you.
