Mastering a recall command is one of the most important parts of puppy training – but it may be the hardest to master. Your puppy will not learn this as quickly as some of the other lessons, but this could prove to be a life-saving lesson one day!
You will want to begin in a quiet, familiar area. This could be a living room or a fenced backyard. Move down into a squat position, open your arms wide, and use your pup’s newly learned name recognition skills to call them to you. Say “Name, come.” As they begin moving toward you, give them verbal praise. Allow them to come all the way to you without intervening. If you reach out and grab them, this will confuse them. Once they reach you, reward them. Repeat.
If they do not understand/obey the command, calmly stand, walk over, attach their lease, and walk them to the spot you called them to. Then, try again. It is important to always use the same language and only say each cue once.
