Emergency Recall Cue

4 years ago
John Barbagallo
3 minutes

An “Emergency Recall Cue” isn’t just calling your dog’s name louder or with more authority. It’s a completely different word that is not your dog’s name. It can be earmuffs!

Step 1

  • First, choose a word to use for the cue.
    • The word should be something unique that you don’t use regularly
  • Use high value reinforcement that they will only get when they hear this word

Step 2

  • With your dog next to you give your signal: “earmuffs!” and feed them.
    • We aren’t working on the actual recall yet – just conditioning the signal by pairing it with a special treat.
    • Tip – place the treat on the ground right between your feet every time and that is where your dog will expect it to be.
  • Do this for about 5-10 seconds.
  • Redirect your dog to something else that they will enjoy.
    • A walk
    • Playtime with you, a toy or both!
    • Their favorite chew
    • Cuddle time
  • Repeat at least 10 times throughout the day.
  • After a week, test the cue when your dog is elsewhere in the house.
    • Go into another room and call out your cue: “earmuffs!”
  • Make note of the response
    • If your dog comes running: treat party!
      • Give them multiple treats and make sure you tell them what a good dog they are
    • If your dog doesn’t come running you may be too far away. Get a little closer and continue creating the association.
    • Continue to condition until your dog seeks you out after hearing the cue.

Step 3

  • Start to add more distractions
    • When other people in the home
    • During commercial breaks of your favorite tv show
    • Outdoors
  • Get them to follow you
    • Inside – say the cue and when your dog gets up and starts coming to you walk to wherever the treats are kept.
    • Outside – When they get close take a few steps back so they continue to follow you. Put the treats down between your feet.
      • Then, try running! Make it fun to chase you! If your dog enjoys chasing you that will also be reinforcing.

Tips

  • Be sure to give the signal ONCE – and then feed.
    • We are not waiting for our dog to do anything like sit or make eye contact. The goal is to come when they hear this specific word.
    • Keep the treat out of sight.
    • Say the cue: “earmuffs!” ONCE and when your dog responds then feed.
  • The reinforcement must be extremely valuable and they only get it when they hear this cue.
    • stinky cheeses
    • liverwurst
    • sardines or other fish (like salmon)
    • Keep the treat out of sight.
  • Feed your dog where you want them to be. If you want them directly in front of you and close to your body, feed directly in front of you close to your body. EVERYTIME.
    • Putting the treat on the ground between your feet is also a good option. But you should put it in the same place EVERYTIME if possible.
  • Maintenance
    • Practice at least a few times a week
    • Once a day couldn’t hurt!
  • Eventually you can vary your reinforcement – but it should always be something good.