Recall

Coming back when called, first time, including when something more interesting is happening.

Also called: come when called · off lead · he won't come back

Recall is the behaviour with the highest stakes and the most contaminated cue. In most households "come here" has been used to end the walk, to administer a bath, to take a stolen chapati away, and to be told off — after which a dog that hesitates is behaving rationally.

Rebuilding it usually means retiring the poisoned word and starting a fresh one, and then being religious about what happens on arrival: coming back must be the best-paid thing in the dog's day, and it must not always end the fun.

It also has to be proofed against real competition. A recall that works in an empty park at 6am is not yet a recall.

If this is your dog

Related words

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