Can your dog come to you in an emergency, no matter what?

Picture this…it’s a glorious morning in Central Park. It’s 8:45am and you are relishing those last precious sips of coffee during an off leash stroll with your dog. In a few minutes, you’ll have to leash up and head home to start your day, but right now, it is pure bliss. Suddenly, a peacock emerges on the far side of the 85th street traverse (you know, the street that cuts across the middle of central park). Your dog is, understandably AMAZED by what she sees and runs pell mell for the feathered intruder. You toss your coffee and shriek out whatever version of her name comes to your mind as you realize she is likely to run straight through traffic! What happens? Does your dog turn on her heels and run into your relieved arms? I hope so.

If you think a peacock could never emerge on the other side of the traverse, check this out.

We live in New York City, and you never know what could occur. Be prepared so that you can relax and enjoy your time with your dog.

The situation above requires an effective EMERGENCY RECALL. This is not the same thing as your everyday “Come” cue. It is a recall cue that your dog will come for no matter what, no matter where, at the drop of a dime. 

The good news: It is so easy to teach and so effective! Read on.

Anytime you make food that is astonishingly delicious (especially something that your dog would find to be decadent and deliriously joyous), save five to ten bites for your dog. Later that day or the next, when your dog least expects a treat, shout your dog’s name as if there was a dire emergency and the word NOW (e.g. DRAGO NOW!). Immediately following your “panicked” call, litter the ground at your feet with the succulent food and walk away, allowing your dog to lap it up and wonder why they just won the lottery. That’s it. Do that twice each week at random times, in totally unpredictable locations. Change up the reward each time, and don’t use it in any circumstance that is not an emergency. Believe me, you will be glad you took the time to do this when that peacock appears.  

And of course, it is wise to brush up on your regular recall too, if you are partaking in any off leash activities. To stay safe, your dog must be eager to return to you every time you call them! If you need help getting this underway, join us for our recall workshops and we’ll teach you all of the games you need to play to ensure that you and your dog are safe and ready to enjoy those wondrous off leash moments.