Resources > Training > Recall

How to exercise a dog that doesn't come back

It seems an unresolvable dilemma. You know your dog needs exercise, but you are worried to let him off leash, because he doesn't return when you call him. Yet you can't train him to come, if he is under-exercised and unable to concentrate on anything but his freedom once he is off leash.

What to do?

What I suggest is not easy, but it is well worth the effort so that you can get to the point where you can actually train a proper recall, and start to reap the benefits of being able to let your dog off leash without worrying. Note though that the following is a stop gap measure, something that helps you get to the starting point of recall training. It is not meant to be a permanent solution. 

1. If you aren't doing this already, hand feed your dog his food as much as possible. This will make him comfortable with being closes to you, and will help when working off leash.
2. Find a fully fenced off leash dog enclosure (often a sports oval) in your area. For a map of off leash parks in Melbourne, including fencing information, see here.
   
3. Acquire a long leash, such as the 11m long Tracking Lead by Black Dog.
4. Try to find out at what times the off leash enclosure may be least busy. Early Sunday morning, or weekdays around lunchtime are typically good times. This may be tricky, but remember it's only temporary (that's if you start recall training once your dog is sane enough to be trainable again).
5. Take some really nice food rewards with you. If your dog likes to play ball or any other toy, take that as well.
   
6. Go at a time where you aren't under pressure to leave at a certain time. That way there is less stress about getting the dog back.
7. When you get to the enclosure, put your dog on the long leash. Ensure all gates are closed. Show him the food you have, and feed him a few pieces if he takes them. He may not be interested at this point.
8. Take a deep breath and let your dog go. 
9. If your dog ever "checks in" with you, or is close enough to notice you, offer him some treats. This may take a long time if your dog is seriously under-exercised.
10. Try to make yourself more interesting by running, changing directions, singing or anything else that draws the dogs attention to you. Reward any and all "check ins" by your dog.
11. If your dog likes running after a ball, increase his exercise that way.
12. When you want to leave, do NOT call your dog. Instead, pick up or step on the long leash and lead your dog away. When you are close enough to your dog, feed him treats all the way out of the enclosure, if he will take them. 
13. Most importantly: Find out how to teach a recall. Contact DeltaDogz or another positive trainer or dog school in your area.

A few words of warning: 

• If your dog shows signs of aggression towards other dogs, do not attempt the above. Please contact DeltaDogz or a positive Veterinary Behaviourist to discuss your situation. 
  
• Getting entangled in a long leash can cause injury to you or others. Take care to stay clear of the leash, and leave if the park gets busy. Don't have any children present.
• Use long leashes only where there is no risk of entanglement in bushes etc., so as not to cause injury to your dog.
• Do not step on the leash if your dog is running. This could cause injury to his neck if the long leash is fastened to a collar. Even attached to a body halter the sudden jerk could still cause injury to your dog. Use a bungee attachment to buffer the impact.
• Never attach a long leash to a head collar.