Know the Difference: Recall Cues and a Hand Target

Use this before you start formal recall training, to set up your cues and finish.

1Choose an informal cue (like "pup pup pup" or a whistle) for coming along with you.
2Choose a formal recall cue (like "come" or "here") for training sessions.
3Have your dog touch your hand when they arrive, not just approach you.
4Generalize the hand touch so your dog can find your hand in front, to the side, or from behind.
5Start with your hand two inches from your dog's nose and gradually increase distance in 3 to 6 inch increments up to about two feet.

Use an informal cue for everyday situations; save the formal recall cue for training.