Teaching Your Dog 'COME' (Reliable Recall) from ANY DISTANCE

 Imagine this: Your dog bolts. They ignore your frantic calls. A strong, reliable "Come!" or "Here!" is the most important cue you will ever teach. It is not about obedience. It is about safety. It's about saving your dog’s life.

We're going to build a recall cue that your dog wants to obey, no matter the distraction. This is a three-step process. We call it the "Recall Jackpot" method.

Your recall word must mean one thing: The Greatest Thing Ever. Do not overuse the word now. Do not use it when you're angry.

1. Choose a "Magic" Word: Pick a distinct word. "Come" is fine, but "Here" or "PUPPY-NAME, Recall!" is often better. It shouldn't sound like their name or other commands.

2. The "Jackpot" Reward: This reward must be special. Never use their regular kibble. It needs to be the highest-value treat: steak bits, cheese, or cooked chicken. It must be something they never get otherwise.

3. The Fun Zone Game: Stand in front of your dog. Say your magic word once, with excitement. "Here!" Give them a treat and lavish, over-the-top praise immediately. Repeat this 10-15 times in a session. You are creating a positive reflex. The sound of the word automatically predicts the best food and party.

4. No Exceptions: If you call your dog, they must get a reward. Even if they take too long, reward them. The word must always be a good experience.

Now we introduce movement and distance. This teaches your dog that "Come" is always worth leaving whatever they are doing.

1. The Retreat: Start a few feet away. Get your dog’s attention. Now, turn and run backward a few steps. This triggers their chase instinct.

2. Call and Catch: As you run backward, use your magic word: "Here!" Sound excited! As your dog sprints toward you, get ready.

3. The Touch: When they reach you, teach them to touch your hand or sit in front of you. This prevents them from running past. Mark the behavior ("Yes!").

4. The Jackpot Delivery: Deliver a Jackpot. A jackpot is not one treat. It's five or six treats given rapidly, one after another, along with huge praise. You are saying: “Wow! You came! That was the best decision ever!”

5. Expand the Distance: Use a long line, perhaps 15 to 30 feet long. Use a park or a quiet yard. Never take the long line off yet. Practice the retreat and the jackpot call. Always keep the experience fun and fast.

Add distraction. This is where the reliability is built. If they can come away from a squirrel, they can come away from anything.

1. Start Low-Level: Practice calling your dog away from a low distraction. A pile of toys. An empty food bowl. Reward the jackpot when they choose you.

2. The Two-Person Game: Have a friend help you. This is the most effective drill. One person holds the dog. The second person runs ten feet away and calls the dog. "Here!" The first person lets the dog go. The second person rewards with the jackpot. Then the roles switch. This turns recall into a fun game of tag.

3. Add Higher Distractions: Move to a park (still on the long line). Have your friend stand 50 feet away with a distracting toy. Call your dog when they are focused on the toy. If they hesitate, immediately retreat, sound excited, and pull the long line gently to encourage them. If they come, they get the jackpot.

4. The Rule of Failure: Only practice recall when you are 80% sure they will succeed. If you call them and they ignore you, you have just taught them that ignoring you works. Don't call them if the distraction is too high. Go closer first.

A reliable recall is lost through mistakes. Avoid these two traps.

• The Angry Call: Never call your dog when you are angry. If they run off, calmly walk up to them. Clip the leash on. Then walk away. The recall word must only mean party time.

• The "Fun is Over" Call: Never call your dog to end their fun. Do not call them only to clip on the leash and go home. Instead, call them, give the jackpot, release them, and let them play again. Do this three or four times. Then, call them a final time and go home. They won’t associate the word with the end of playtime.

A perfect recall is a life-saver. It buys you freedom and security. Always keep practicing. Always use a jackpot. Never let them practice ignoring you.

For the full training plan, you need my complete guide!

Download my Free PDF Guide, "Dog Training 101: The Ultimate New Owner Checklist." It includes our detailed 30-Day Training Calendar and troubleshooting for common issues like jumping and nipping.

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