Training

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3 min read

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How to Train Your Dog to Drop on Recall

Training

|

3 min read

|

1

Comments

How to Train Your Dog to Drop on Recall
Hard difficulty iconHard
Time icon3-6 Weeks
General training category iconGeneral

Introduction

While you may never enter your pooch in an obedience contest, there is no reason why he can't learn all of the same commands used in these competitions. One thing most people tend to overlook is that their dog is far smarter than they realize and is capable of learning just about anything as long as you are willing to put in the time and effort.

The more you can make this particular training into a game, the faster your pup is likely to learn to drop in his tracks when you give him the command. You should teach him to respond to both verbal and hand signal commands so that he will follow your command from a distance as well. Teaching him this command may just save his life at some point in the future. Drop on recall is not that much different than teaching your dog to drop or lie down when he is near you. The big difference is that he is in motion and must stop first and then drop to the ground. 

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Defining Tasks

The definition of this command is to teach your dog to drop in place when he is coming towards you after you have called him to 'come'. The command words are up to you, as are the hand signals. Most trainers recommend a simple "Drop!" command and extending your arm out palm down, raising it up so that your dog can see it and then dropping it, still extended palm down, towards your dog. Before you can teach him to drop on recall, you must first have taught your dog how to drop on command, as this is a natural extension of that particular command. In fact, you should be using the exact same command for both.

The command should not be difficult in and of itself as your pup should already know what is expected of him when you say "down." However, since your dog will be in motion (quite possibly running towards you at full tilt), getting him to slam on the brakes and drop on the spot can take some time so be patient and work with him until he gets it down. While you can teach this command to your dog at any age, he must first have learned 'come' and 'down' before he is ready to move onto learning this skill. Just remember patience is its own reward and teaching your dog 'down on recall' could save him from serious injury or worse. 

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Getting Started

The first thing needed when trying to train your dog 'down on recall' is for him to already know commands such as 'stay', 'come', and 'down'. You should also have a healthy supply of his favorite treats, tons of patience and a quiet distraction-free area to start training him in. Avoid areas where there are distractions such as other dogs, kids playing, traffic, and anything else that might break his concentration. As always, when giving your pup a command, your voice needs to be authoritative and firm, letting your dog know you mean business without sounding like he has done something wrong. With a plenty of practice and patience--not to mention lots of treats and praise--your dog will soon learn this new "trick".

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The Walking Backwards Method

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1

Focus on me

Start by having your dog sit facing you with his attention focused only on you.

2

Walk away

Walk slowly away from him for a short distance and call him.

3

Give the command

When he is about halfway to you, give him the drop commands (both verbal and visual).

4

When he obeys

Praise him when he complies and then give him a treat.

5

Repeat

Repeat this, moving farther away each time. When he gets it right, give him a treat. If he doesn't drop, shorten the distance and practice at a distance he will obey you until you can once again increase the distance. Be patient, it will take a little time.

The Pivot Method

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1

Walk beside me

Start out with your dog walking beside you on the left side.

2

Pay attention to me

Make sure you have his undivided attention (he should be looking up at you as you walk)

3

Give the command

While walking, give the command "Down!" and at the same time, pivot in front of him. Don't stop right in front of him as he might sit rather than lay down.

4

Expand the distance

Once he performs this regularly, you can start to expand the distance between you and your dog before you give the command.

5

Rewards always work

Be sure to use plenty of treats and praise each time he gets the command right, but never punish him for being wrong. The idea is to teach your dog this important skill, but you can make the entire training process into a fun game he is sure to enjoy--all the while teaching him to remain safe even though he doesn't realize it.

The Clicker Method

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1

Sit – stay

Have your dog sit and stay while you walk a few steps away from him.

2

Come to me

Tell him to come to you.

3

Give the drop command

While he is walking towards you, give your 'down' or 'drop' command.

4

Success earns rewards

If he drops as commanded, be sure to click and give him plenty of praise and a treat.

5

Add more distance

Continue expanding the distance until he will drop on command no matter how far away you are and how fast he is moving. Be sure to reward him every time he obeys the command. In time, you should be able to obey without the treats, but you should always be ready to praise him for doing a good job.

Written by PB Getz

Veterinary reviewed by:

Published: 01/23/2018, edited: 01/08/2021

Training Questions

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Training Questions and Answers

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Ford

Dog breed icon

Australian Shepherd

Dog age icon

Five Years

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Question

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I wqnt to teach my dog drop on recall

Aug. 17, 2022

Ford's Owner

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Caitlin Crittenden - Dog Trainer

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1128 Dog owners recommended

Hello, I would start by teaching Down and Come. You can use a long training leash that's been looped around the back of a strong tree that goes past pup, around the tree, then back to you, making a pulley from pup to yourself. I would do this with pup on a padded back clip harness to avoid potential neck strain, and a 50 foot leash to give enough distance for come - about 15-25 foot from pup to the tree, and the other 25-35 from the tree to your hand holding the leash. Send pup away, throwing a toy or treat, then call pup to yourself, standing only a few feet away from pup at first, tell pup Down as soon as they start moving toward you, then slow pup down with the leash in your hand until you stop them completely. Repeat your down command once pup has stopped if they don't lie down then, then reward once they get down. Practice until pup can respond right away without that second Down command. When pup can do that, stand further away from pup and call pup to yourself and give the Down while pup is still further away from you; slowly work up to pup being further and further away when you call them and do the Down, using the leash to pull them backwards to slow them down less and less as they get to the point where they can respond to your cue verbally by itself. Pay attention to your length of leash and gradually slowing pup down, so pup isn't suddenly jerked backward with the leash, or pup doesn't run right into you. Once pup is doing well dropping on recall, then I would also practice at least as many recalls without the down so pup doesn't start assuming they should always drop during recall - which could be unsafe if you used recall in an emergency. You want pup to just learn to listen while recalling, increase you give the down. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Aug. 18, 2022


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