Training the Recall Command with Dog Treats

Dog treats are a great way to help your pet learn the recall command. This is one of the most important basic commands your canine companion will learn. The recall, or teaching your dog to come when called, will help you keep him or her out of trouble. This command should be the first your pet learns.

Choose the Dog Treats

Before you begin, select the right type of dog treat. Food is an excellent canine motivator, so use it to your advantage. Choose a treat that offers low fat content and other health benefits. The consistency is also important. Dog biscuits and other types of treats that can be easily broken into smaller pieces or cut apart are ideal. Remember, treat sparingly and only in small quantities. Your dog should still want his or her regular daily meals after training.

Recall Training Step One

Once you have selected the right dog treats, it is time to begin. Be consistent and use your pet’s name (or another command if you prefer, such as “come” or “here”). It is important to stick with one word and use it only to avoid confusing the dog. Begin with no distractions as well; a confined room indoors is usually ideal. If you have a quiet yard with no traffic or other outside activity, then that works as well.

Start by calling your pet to you. Keep dog treats in your pocket or in hand so you can quickly reward when he or she does the right thing. Call your pet to you from a short distance. When he or she takes steps towards you, offer a treat reward. Do not treat every time. Mix the reward with pets and praise.

Recall Training Step Two

At this point, the dog treats should have your pet curious and trying to figure out how to earn the reward. Start widening the gap between you and your dog. As he or she gets better at the command, only treat the larger successes, such as an actual recall performed when you gave the command. Do not neglect to reward steps in the right direction with encouraging praise and petting. Continue widening the gap, perhaps even moving into other rooms of the house or to another floor. This should still be done when there are no distractions in the house until your pet has perfected the recall.

Recall Training Step Three

Now that your pet understands what the command means and how to earn dog treats, it is time to reinforce the command with distractions. Start slow, using only short sessions for each step of training. The first distractions could be a few enticing playthings scattered about the room. Get your dog to come to you without going for the toys. Next, add some noise, perhaps a television, or someone talking outside the room. Gradually add distractions until your pet will come no matter what is going on around him or her!

Author Bio: Article by Kimberly Case of Dog Treats To Go- Where you can find a large selection of Dog Treats Online! Including Bully Sticks and Dog Cookies

Category: Pets
Keywords: Dog Treats, Dog Treat, Dog Bones, Pet Treats