Proofing Your Recall

A reliable recall is not built in one location or with no distractions. Your dog needs to learn that your recall cue means the same thing wherever you are and whatever is happening around them.

Proofing your recall means gradually practising in different environments and around different distractions, while always setting your dog up to succeed.

Remember, do not jump straight from practising in a quiet garden to expecting your dog to recall away from high-level distractions. Build this up slowly and increase the difficulty over time.

Proofing Different Locations

Dogs do not automatically generalise their training. A recall that works perfectly at home may not be as reliable somewhere new.

Practise your recall in a variety of locations, including:

• Different types of terrain
• Woods
• Hills and valleys
• Open moorland
• The beach
• The park
• During your everyday walks

Each new environment adds a different level of challenge, so allow your dog time to understand that the same rules apply wherever you are.

Proofing Around Distractions

Distractions should also be introduced gradually. Start with easier distractions and build towards those your dog finds most exciting.

Examples of distractions include:

• Balls
• Toys
• Dummies
• Food
• People
• Other dogs
• Joggers
• Rabbits
• Squirrels
• Deer
• Game birds such as pheasants and partridges

Remember, the aim is not to test your dog until they fail. The aim is to build confidence and create success.

If your dog struggles, make the exercise easier. Reduce the distance, increase your rewards or use a long line to prevent them from self-rewarding.

A truly reliable recall is built through hundreds of successful repetitions in different situations. Take your time, keep training positive and continue to make coming back to you the best choice your dog can make.