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I’ve had my rescue dog, Dixie, for a little over 18 months, and it’s been a journey full of ups and downs. As a nervous dog, gaining her trust and confidence has been essential in developing a solid relationship. However, over the festive period, Dixie developed a serious recall issue—she started bolting every time she was let off the leash.
Realizing that we needed to go back to basics, I decided to completely restart her recall training as though she were a puppy.
Step 1: Find the Right Reward
The first step to improving Dixie’s recall was finding the right reward. “Find something your dog loves, whether it’s high-value food or a favorite toy,” says Adam Daines, a dog trainer and owner of Avon Dog Services. “Reward the recall every time the dog responds when called.”
Since Dixie isn’t very food-motivated, it took some trial and error to find something that would grab her attention. After some searching, I found that slices of dried sausages and small pieces of cheese were the most effective.
Armed with my pocketful of sausages, I began practicing recall around the house. Dixie didn’t have trouble responding indoors, but when outside, the connection seemed to falter. I hadn’t realized that the panic in my voice when calling her might have been making things worse.
Step 2: Try a New Recall Word
Adam Daines also recommends trying a new recall word if the old one has been “poisoned” by negative associations. For example, if you’ve previously called your dog harshly or with frustration, it may have linked the recall command with unpleasant feelings.
Up until that point, I had used various commands like whistling, clicking my tongue, calling her name, or shouting “What’s this?”—which likely confused Dixie. To simplify things, I decided to stick with a single word, “here,” which we had never used before. I hoped that it would help create a positive association.
Step 3: Use a Long Line
To re-establish reliable recall, Daines suggests using a long line, typically about 10 meters long, during early training. This provides freedom for the dog to explore, while still maintaining control when needed.
With a long line in hand, I took Dixie to a familiar, secure area where I could practice recall without distractions. After a week of using the line, I felt confident enough to let her have off-leash time, starting in an environment with fewer distractions.
Caroline Wilkinson, a canine behaviorist, points out that the location can greatly influence recall performance. A calm field may work fine, but take your dog into a wooded area full of enticing smells, and their natural instincts could overpower the recall command.
Step 4: Build Confidence Off-Leash
I initially allowed Dixie five minutes of off-leash time at a time, recalling her several times within that short window. After several successful sessions, I gradually increased the duration and decreased the frequency of recalls, rewarding her when she checked in with me.
Wilkinson emphasizes that rewarding any connection—like when a dog looks toward you or checks in without being called—strengthens the bond and reinforces positive behavior.
Why Do Dogs Lose Their Recall?
Curious about why dogs sometimes forget their recall training, I asked Wilkinson for insight. She explained that a dog’s age and emotional state can significantly affect their recall abilities.
“As puppies, they stick close to their owners for support, but as adolescents, they may become more independent and distracted,” she says. “Later in life, if recall training isn’t reinforced, they may become more interested in chasing squirrels or sniffing around. Senior dogs may also lose some of their senses, like hearing or sight, making it harder for them to respond.”
Dixie’s emotional state, particularly after some stressful experiences, may have also contributed to her recall regression. “Stressed dogs find it difficult to learn new skills,” Wilkinson adds. “They may be more focused on fleeing an uncomfortable situation rather than responding to commands.”
Final Thoughts
After dedicating time to rebuilding Dixie’s recall skills, I’m proud to say she’s making great progress. While there are still occasional distractions that could cause her to bolt, she’s now much more focused on me and responds to her new recall word consistently. Patience, persistence, and positive reinforcement have been key in getting her back on track.