RECALL- HOME PAGE

SUMMARY
of Recall to
print off

In Recall the dog learns to run to its handler from a distance of approximately 51ft/15.3m - no "sits", "downs", "stays", "waits", etc are required in any of the Stages of this or any other Dog-Game.

A helper (or trainer) holds the dog by its harness and releases it as soon as the handler calls the dog's name - this is called a restrained recall. The dog soon learns that it will be given a high value reward by its handler if it runs quickly to him, and transfers this knowledge to its everyday life as the handler consistently gives the same triggers - both in body movement and vocally.

Recall is the first and most important Dog-Game that a dog and handler can do together, not only for safety reasons (see Precious' Story) in everyday life but also -

The handler learns -

How to attract the dog's attention.
To be consistent with their commands and body language.
To experiment to find out whether the dog is happier to come back to them when they are moving, standing still, bent over the dog, directly looking at the dog or not, etc.
Also to experiment to find out what the dog enjoys as a reward for running back to them - eg. a variety of special food treats, handler and dog playing together with a toy, praise, petting etc.
To recognise the differences in their dog's body language when it shows symptoms of stress, and to adapt their posture and voice so that the dog is willing and relaxed enough to come to them when called.

The dog learns -

To calmly and confidently walk away from its handler while on a lead which is held by the trainer/helper.
To recognise the consistent signals that the handler is giving and link these signals with the anticipation of being rewarded.
To trust their handler (ie it will be given an enjoyable reward each time it returns to them) and will quickly begin to anticipate and enjoy doing the Game. This trust and understanding between humans and dog is very important to build a strong relationship between the two.

This website describes kind positive training methods that encourage both the dog and handler to learn more about each other whilst having lots of fun together.

The training is broken down in to 4 separate Stages - Starters, Bronze, Silver and Platinum - which are non-competitive and have no restrictions on the speed of the dog. Every Stage has certificates, rosettes, and at Platinum a trophy, which are given in recognition of the achievements of both dog and handler.

Always begin training at Starters and progress from there. It is not compulsory for dogs to do all these Stages - they have been provided so that each dog can train to its own ability. Dogs must not be pushed into situations that they cannot cope with (eg running too close to other dogs in Silver) and handlers and trainers must respect the dog's limitations. Some dogs and handlers work steadily through most or all of the Stages of Recall before trying a new Game, while others reach Bronze or Silver Stages of this Game and then try another Game (returning to the higher Stages of Recall when the dog is more confident, experienced or older).

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