🚨 How to Teach an Emergency Recall: Vet-Approved Safety Training for 2025 by Dr Duncan Houston 🐶

Imagine your dog chasing a squirrel toward traffic—what if you had a single word that brought them back instantly? That’s the power of a reliable emergency recall. It’s one of the most valuable cues you can teach your dog. In this 2025 guide, Dr Duncan Houston outlines the complete, step-by-step process to train an emergency recall—safely, effectively, and positively. 🧠🦴

🔑 Why Emergency Recall Matters

An emergency recall is a special command used only in high-stakes situations. It’s designed to override any distractions or fears and bring your dog running back to you. Uses include:

• 🚗 Preventing accidents (like running into the street)
• 🏞️ Calling your dog away from wildlife or other dogs
• 🏠 Stopping escapes from open doors or yards

It’s a behavior that could save your dog’s life. 💖

🧠 Foundation: Set the Scene for Success

Start in a calm, controlled setting—your living room, kitchen, or fenced backyard. You want your dog to succeed without distractions at first. 📍

✅ Choose Your Cue

• 🎙️ Use a word or phrase that’s unique and cheerful
• ✨ Examples: “This way!”, “Let’s go!”, “Here now!”

Don’t use their name alone or cues already associated with everyday commands. 🗣️

✅ Choose a Special Reward

• 🍗 A super-high-value treat (e.g., boiled chicken, liver)
• 🎾 A favorite squeaky toy or tug game

This is your “jackpot” reward—only used for emergency recall. Make it magical! 🎁

🦴 Step-by-Step Training Guide

🟢 Step 1: Create the Association

Start with your dog near you. Randomly say your emergency cue and:

• 🍖 Immediately feed your jackpot treat or initiate a game
• 🚶 Walk away—end on a positive note

Repeat this 5–10 times daily for 2 weeks. You’re building a strong positive history. 🧱

🟡 Step 2: Add Distance in the Home

Now test the cue when your dog is in another room:

• 🗣️ Call using your cue
• 🐕 When they arrive—reward BIG
• ⏱️ If they delay, go back to Step 1

Repeat daily for another 1–2 weeks. Consistency is key. 🗓️

🟠 Step 3: Move Outdoors with a Long Line

Now practice in the yard, on a 15–30 ft leash or long line:

• 🦮 Let your dog sniff and wander
• 📣 Give the emergency cue
• 🏃 Reinforce immediately when they return

Do this in different locations—parks, trails, or quiet fields. Vary the environment but keep your rewards consistent. 🌳

🔴 Step 4: Add Realistic Distractions

Now you’re ready to add layers of difficulty:

• 🐿️ Wildlife, people, or other dogs nearby
• 🔊 Background noise or movement
• 🎾 Mid-play interruptions

Still practice on-leash. The long line is your safety net. 🎯

🟣 Step 5: Maintain the Behavior

Once your dog has mastered the recall, practice it 1–2 times per week. Always use the jackpot reward—even years later. 💎

🙅 What NOT to Do

To preserve your emergency recall, avoid these common mistakes:

• 🚫 Never use the cue for unpleasant events (baths, nail trims)
• ⚠️ Don’t repeat the cue if they don’t respond—go back to training
• ❌ Don’t switch cues mid-training—it breaks the association

Trust and consistency are everything! 🤝

📘 Emergency Recall vs. Regular Recall

Emergency recall is your panic button. It’s used rarely and paired with only the best rewards.

Everyday recall (like “Come!”) can be used more freely, with everyday treats or praise. Train both—but use different cues and rewards. 🧠

🎓 Ask A Vet: Need Help With Recall?

If your dog ignores you outdoors or gets distracted easily, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Ask A Vet provides:

• 📱 Live coaching from certified trainers and vets
• 📽️ Video analysis of your recall practice
• 📋 Custom plans for high-distraction training

Download the Ask A Vet app and train with confidence. 🐾💬

🌟 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

An emergency recall isn’t just a trick—it’s a vital skill that could one day save your dog’s life. Teaching it takes time and effort, but the peace of mind it provides is priceless. 🐶💖

Practice regularly, reward generously, and always keep the experience positive. For extra help, visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app today. Let’s build recall reliability together in 2025! 🚨🐕‍🦺