

Remember to praise your dog each time they obey the recall cue, further reinforcing this positive association. This will help your dog associate the emergency recall word with a treat party, making them eager to respond. When teaching the emergency recall cue, it's crucial to provide your dog with high-value treats, such as boiled chicken or other unique treats they rarely get in their normal life. This method revolves around rewarding your dog for desired behavior, thus encouraging them to repeat it.Ĭlicker training and food rewards are among the most common approaches used in positive reinforcement. One of the most effective ways to teach dog emergency recall is through positive reinforcement. Emergency Recall Training Techniques Positive Reinforcement In situations like an off-leash dog approaching aggressively, a child opening a gate, or a dog heading towards a busy road, a reliable emergency recall can be the difference between safety and potential harm or even tragedy. Once we have chosen our recall cue, it's time for us to start training. The goal is for our dog to associate this word only with emergency situations. This could be a unique command or even a whistle. This is different from a regular recall, which tells our dog to come to us immediately in potentially dangerous situations.įirst, choose a recall word or sound that hasn't already been used in other training. The emergency recall is a cue that prompts a dog to return to its owner immediately, without hesitation or distraction.

Understanding Emergency Recall and Why It’s Important

The more consistent you are, the better prepared your dog will be for an emergency situation. Aim to practice several times a week for the initial months. To ensure success, consistently practice and utilize positive reinforcement. Always use a long line for safety until they have a reliable response. Once your dog shows proficiency, practice the recall cue in various settings and around other dogs. Mixing in other activities, such as clicker training or tug-of-war, can also be beneficial.

Popular methods include the "treat party," – where you reward your dog with multiple treats for a successful response – and "play chase," which encourages your dog to chase after the sound of your call. But if you don’t begin practicing in a quiet area, it could confuse the animal. Introduce controlled distractions to test their focus. As their response improves, gradually increase the distance between you two. Start training in a distraction-free zone in your house. And food rewards are the perfect way to introduce this to your pet. The idea is that this emergency recall cue could save your dog’s life in a scary situation.
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Many dogs respond well to treats, so this is the best way to teach them how to act when they hear their recall cue word. Stock up on high-value treats like boiled chicken or other unique treats that your dog particularly loves. It’s common to use this command in public or at a dog park with other animals around too. Avoid using words like come because they are used too commonly in normal life, which can confuse your dog. Words like “Here” or “Now” are reliable recall cues. Ensure it's different from other training commands. Start by selecting a distinctive word, whistle, or sound that's easy to remember in emergency situations. The emergency recall cue is designed to help your dog respond quickly and return to you without distraction.įollow these steps to train your dog for emergency situations. Many dog owners may experience situations where they need their dog to come immediately, like when encountering an aggressive dog or even a busy road. Emergency recall differs from a regular recall because it's only used in urgent, potentially harmful scenarios. Teaching your dog an emergency recall cue can be a life-saving skill in dangerous situations. How to Train & Teach Dog Emergency Recall Cue
