Understanding Reliable Recall

Achieving reliable recall with a dog requires realistic expectations, as perfect recall is largely unattainable. Owners should avoid calling their dogs unless they are confident the dog will respond, as repeated unsuccessful commands can weaken the recall's effectiveness. Reinforcement plays a key role; when a dog finally comes after multiple calls, owners should not reprimand but rather reward the dog to strengthen future responses. The emphasis should be on making the recall command associated with positive experiences, such as treats, which can motivate the dog to come more reliably in the future.