Does your German Shepherd suddenly develop “selective hearing” when you call them, especially if there’s something more exciting going on? You’re not alone! Teaching a German Shepherd to come reliably when called is one of the most important—and sometimes challenging—commands for any owner to master.
In this post, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to help your German Shepherd respond instantly every time you call. With consistency, patience, and the right techniques, you’ll turn your pup into a recall pro in no time!
Understanding Your German Shepherd’s Mind
German Shepherds were bred as working dogs, which means they have an incredible capacity for learning and following commands. However, this also means they’re independent thinkers who need to understand why they should listen to you.
These intelligent dogs respond best to training that engages both their mind and their natural instincts. When teaching the recall command, it’s essential to tap into their desire to work with their handler and their love of mental stimulation.
Remember that German Shepherds are naturally protective and alert, which can sometimes override their desire to come when called. Understanding this aspect of their personality will help you develop more effective training strategies.
Starting with the Basics
Begin training in a quiet, enclosed area with minimal distractions. Your backyard is perfect for these initial sessions. Start with your dog on a long training leash, which provides safety while allowing freedom of movement.
Choose a distinct recall word or phrase and stick to it. Whether you use “come,” “here,” or “à moi,” consistency is key. Your tone should be upbeat and inviting – never angry or frustrated, even if your dog doesn’t respond immediately.
Keep initial training sessions short – about 5-10 minutes – and always end on a positive note. This helps maintain your dog’s enthusiasm and prevents mental fatigue.
The Power of Positive Reinforcement
German Shepherds thrive on positive reinforcement. When your dog comes to you, reward them with high-value treats – something they don’t get at any other time. This could be small pieces of chicken, cheese, or their favorite training treats.
Make coming to you the best thing ever! Besides treats, use enthusiastic praise, pets, and maybe even a quick game with their favorite toy. Your German Shepherd should learn that responding to the recall command leads to amazing things.
Never punish your dog when they finally come to you, even if they took their time. This will only teach them that coming to you results in negative consequences, making them less likely to respond in the future.
Progressive Training Techniques
Once your dog reliably comes to you in the backyard, it’s time to up the ante. Gradually introduce more challenging environments with increasing distractions. Start in your front yard, then move to quiet parks during off-peak hours.
Practice the “emergency recall” – a special command used only in crucial situations. This command should be different from your regular recall word and should always result in an extra-special reward, like a jackpot of treats or their absolute favorite food.
Use random rewards to strengthen the recall command. Sometimes offer treats, sometimes praise, sometimes play – this unpredictability keeps your dog interested and responsive.
Handling Common Challenges
There will be times when your German Shepherd seems to regress in their training. This is normal, especially during adolescence (around 6-18 months). Stay patient and return to easier training scenarios temporarily.
If your dog becomes distracted by something particularly interesting, don’t repeatedly call them. Instead, move closer, use your emergency recall, or wait until you have their attention again. Each time they ignore your call, the command loses its effectiveness.
Remember that some situations might be too challenging for your dog’s current training level. Set them up for success by carefully managing their environment and gradually increasing difficulties.
Advanced Training Tips
Once your dog has mastered basic recall, introduce games that reinforce the command. Hide-and-seek is excellent for this – have someone hold your dog while you hide, then call them to find you. This makes training fun and strengthens the bond between you.
Practice recalls between multiple family members, gradually increasing the distance. This teaches your dog to respond regardless of who calls and where they are in relation to the caller.
Consider joining advanced training classes or dog sports that utilize recall. Activities like agility or herding can provide structured environments to practice and reinforce this vital command.
Take Home Message
Training your German Shepherd to come when called is one of the most important commands you’ll teach them – it could literally save their life one day. Success comes from understanding your dog’s nature, being consistent with your training, and making the experience positive and rewarding. Remember that every dog learns at their own pace, and setbacks are normal. Stay patient, keep training sessions fun, and celebrate your progress together. With time and dedication, your German Shepherd will become that dog everyone at the park envies – the one who comes running at the first call, every single time.
