Why Home Is Where The Success Starts
Want to know the secret to a reliable recall?
It’s not about what you do in the park – it’s about what you do at home, right from day one.
Why Start So Early?
Those first few weeks at home aren’t just about cuddles and toilet training. They’re your golden opportunity to build habits that will last a lifetime. Your puppy is learning about their world, and most importantly, they’re learning about you. Puppy’s learn by habit, so starting to teach the right habit for recall, from day 1, is the key to success.
Starting recall training at home means:
– Your puppy learns in a low-distraction environment
– You can control the space and situation
– Success is easier to achieve
– Good habits form before challenging situations arise
Getting Started: The Basics
First, recall cue should be their name, followed by the command, “come”. Everyone involved in the care of your pup needs to do the same.
Indoor Training Games
- The Name Game – getting a whiplash response to their name
– Say your puppy’s name in a happy voice
– When they look at you, reward immediately
– Practice in different rooms
– Use this game randomly throughout the day
– Keep it fun and brief
– When it’s going well, do it in the garden
- Food Recalls
– When putting puppy’s food down, call them to you
– Let them find you with the food in your hand or in their bowl
– Reward with the food
– This builds a positive association with coming when called
- Hide and Seek
– Have someone hold your puppy
– Hide nearby (stay visible initially)
– Call your puppy – ‘Name, COME’
– Reward with their food, or a game or cuddle when they find you
– Gradually increase difficulty
– Just crouching down behind a chair or sofa adds to the distractions
- Corridor Recalls
– Use your hallway as a training space
– Call your puppy from one end to the other
– As pup gets to you, praise excitedly, drop the food reward on the floor
– Leave pup to eat the food as you run to the other end and repeat
– Keep distances short initially
– Build up distance gradually
Building Value
Remember:
– Every recall should be rewarded
– Rewards should be varied (food, toys, praise)
– The harder the situation, the better the reward
– Work out what your pup loves most as a reward
– Never call your puppy for anything negative
Progressing to the Garden
Once your puppy responds reliably indoors:
- Start in a secure garden area
- Begin when there are minimal distractions
- Keep initial distances short
- Always reward successful recalls
- Gradually increase distance and distractions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don’t call unless you can reinforce success
❌ Don’t repeat commands
❌ Don’t punish slow responses
❌ Don’t call for negative experiences
Signs of Progress
You’ll know your training is working when:
– Your puppy’s head whips around at their name
– They come running without hesitation
– They leave mild distractions to come to you
– Their response is becoming automatic
Preparing for the Outside World
Before your puppy is fully vaccinated and ready for walks, they should:
– Respond to their name consistently
– Come when called in different rooms
– Leave mild distractions to come to you
– Show enthusiasm for recall games
– Come in from the garden when called
Next Steps
As your puppy grows:
– Gradually increase environmental challenges
– Practice in new areas of the house and garden
– Vary your rewards
– Keep sessions short and fun
– Always end on a success
Remember
Building a reliable recall starts long before you need it. Those early weeks at home are laying the foundation for your future walks and adventures. Take time to build these crucial skills now, and you’ll thank yourself later.
Training Tips:
– Keep sessions short (2-3 minutes)
– Practice several times daily
– Always reward success
– Make it fun
– Stay positive
– Be consistent
Ready to Start? Check out Safe and Sound Recall Course
