The Most Important Skill to Teach Your Puppy: Recall Training

TLDRRecall training is crucial for your puppy's safety and behavior. Learn how to avoid common mistakes and teach a reliable recall. Discover the different versions of recall and how to build value for your puppy's name.

Key insights

🐶Recall training is essential for your puppy's safety and behavior.

❗️The foundation of recall training is often overlooked or misunderstood.

Teaching your puppy to respond to their name is the first step in recall training.

🔑Building value for your puppy's name is crucial for a reliable recall.

💡Having an informal recall command is important for situations where reinforcement is challenging.

Q&A

What is the difference between response to name and recall training?

Response to name is the foundation of recall training. It teaches your puppy to turn towards you when they hear their name. Recall training takes it a step further, teaching your puppy to come to you when called.

How do I build value for my puppy's name?

You can build value for your puppy's name by associating it with positive experiences, such as treats or playtime. Use their name consistently and reward them every time they respond to it.

Why is an informal recall command important?

An informal recall command is helpful in situations where you can't reinforce your puppy's response to their name. It allows you to get their attention and redirect them without the expectation of a reward.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in recall training?

Some common mistakes in recall training include overusing the recall command, calling your puppy's name in situations where they are unlikely to respond, and not building enough value for their name.

How can I teach a reliable recall?

To teach a reliable recall, start with teaching your puppy to respond to their name. Then, gradually add distance and distractions. Use positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, to reward your puppy for coming to you.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Recall training is crucial for your puppy's safety and behavior.

00:25Teaching your puppy to respond to their name is the first step in recall training.

02:23Building value for your puppy's name is crucial for a reliable recall.

04:20An informal recall command is important for situations where reinforcement is challenging.

06:56Recall training takes it a step further, teaching your puppy to come to you when called.

09:13An informal recall command should only be used when reinforcement is challenging.

10:49Response to name and recall training are different but closely related.

11:57Common mistakes in recall training include overusing the command and not building enough value for your puppy's name.