How do you fix recall regression after initial success?
Written by
David Smith
Reviewed by
Prof. David Walsh, Ph.D.Recall regression infuriates owners after initial training success. This frustrating obstacle occurs when dogs seem to 'forget' all the commands they have learned. If you understand why that happens, you are halfway to implementing successful solutions. Regression often indicates it's time to walk your dog differently.
Reward Reinforcement
- Reintroduce high-value treats like cooked chicken or cheese
- Increase reward frequency to 90% temporarily
- Use special reward markers for exceptional responses
Environmental Reset
- Return to last successful distance immediately
- Practice exclusively in mastered environments first
- Gradually reintroduce distractions after consistency returns
Motivation Maintenance
- Implement variable reward schedules long-term
- Rotate between food, play, and affection rewards
- Prevent plateaus with occasional surprise high-value rewards
Immediately return to the last successful distance when regression emerges. If your dog was reliable at 15 feet, then go back there. This will quickly rebuild confidence. Stay at that distance - and that distance only - until responses are again stable.
For a limited duration, increase the frequency of rewards to a level close to continuous reinforcement. Reinforce every successful recall throughout the reset period. This reinforces the historically weakened behavior after three successive days, and begin to taper the rewards.
Reintroduce high-value treats specifically for regression recovery. Use special foods your dog rarely gets. Reserve these exclusively for recall practice. Their unique appeal creates renewed motivation during setbacks.
Environmental influences can elicit regression. Recreate environments like your living room or fenced yard. After recovery, completely remove or eliminate new distractions and reintroduce variables one at a time, after your dog has responded perfectly to each variable for three consecutive days.
Implement variable reward schedules to maintain long-term reliability. After the recovery phase, sometimes give chicken, sometimes kibble, sometimes play. This unpredictability keeps dogs engaged, preventing future regression.
Equipment modifications facilitate release from recurring behavior. Temporarily using longer lines to stop reinforcing inattention. If treat pouches can be upgraded for quicker delivery, it would be helpful. These tools help normalize previous reliability faster.
Read the full article: Dog Recall Training: Essential Guide
