The best recall words for dogs are short, distinct, and used consistently, with popular choices like "Come!," "Here!," or even a unique sound like a whistle or "Accio!," but the key is training that word with high-value rewards (like super tasty treats) to create an emergency recall that cuts through distractions, often taught as a separate command from regular "come" for high-stakes situations like squirrels or busy roads.
Some recall words I have heard were Bonsai, Nieght, Sherman, Magna. It's what ever word you want to use. 2. Uber Treat -- this is that one treat that your dog will go absolutely out of his/her mind to get and will do anything for it. It's the SPECIAL TREAT. We reserve these ones for emergency recall.
Every pup should know the 7 Basic Common commands: SIT, STAY, DOWN, COME, OFF, HEEL, and NO.
Start with simple words that refer to things your dog enjoys. “Dinner,” “treat,” “walk,” or “outside” will naturally grab their attention. Use the word in question and then immediately show your dog what it means. For example, say “carrot” and then give your dog a piece of carrot to munch on.
Playing tug or throwing a frisbee for your dog to chase are great recall rewards. And these games can be especially good for dogs who have a high prey drive and love to chase and kill. You can even wave your toy in the air as you call your dog to let them know that there'll be a game if they come.
The hardest "commandment" (command) to teach a dog is often considered Recall ("Come"), due to powerful natural instincts to explore or play, followed by impulse control commands like "Leave It/Drop It", and complex obedience actions like the "Finish" (positioning at the handler's side) or "Heel", requiring intense focus and self-control, especially with distractions like other dogs or interesting sights/smells.
The "3-second rule" for dogs has two main meanings: for greetings, it's a short, sniff-and-separate technique (sniff for 3 seconds, then walk away) to keep initial meetings positive, preventing over-arousal or conflict, and for training, it's the maximum time (3 seconds) to give a dog to respond to a command before repeating it or redirecting, ensuring they connect the action to the consequence. It's also used with petting to give dogs choice: pet for 3 seconds, pause, and see if they solicit more attention.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
Dogs say "sorry" through submissive body language like tucking their tail, lowering their head, making "puppy eyes," licking, and rolling onto their backs to show they're not a threat, which are appeasement signals to diffuse tension after a conflict or misbehavior, often combined with whining or approaching and retreating. They recognize when their human (or another dog) is upset and use these signs to seek forgiveness, though it's more about reducing stress than human-like guilt.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, treat(s) takes the top spot as our pooches' favourite word, having featured in 35% of all the videos analysed, followed closely by walk or walkies in second place (34%).
The "10 10 10 rule" for dogs refers to two main concepts: a potty training method for puppies (10 mins outside, 10 ft space, 10 mins supervision/reward) and the 80/10/10 guideline for raw feeding (80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% organ), both offering structure for training or diet. Another interpretation is the 10% rule for treats, limiting them to 10% of daily calories to maintain a balanced diet, ensuring most nutrition comes from complete dog food.
The "3 C's of dog training" aren't universal, but common interpretations focus on Criteria, Consequences, Consistency, essential for operant conditioning, or on handler mindset as Calm, Clarity, Consistency, emphasizing clear communication and emotional regulation for effective learning and a strong bond, with other versions highlighting Control, Calm, Connection. Essentially, they all boil down to clear, consistent, and emotionally grounded training methods for success.
The 777 Puppy Rule (or Rule of 7s) is a guideline for puppy socialization, suggesting that by seven weeks old, a puppy should experience seven different Surfaces, seven different Sounds, seven different Objects, seven different People, seven different Locations, seven different Containers, and seven different Challenges, all in positive, short, and safe ways to build confidence and resilience. It helps prevent fear and reactivity by creating positive associations with novel experiences during the critical socialization window (around 4-16 weeks).
Always reward your dog when they come back
Start indoors, in your garden, or in another enclosed space with some tasty treats to hand. Get your dog's attention with their name, then use your recall cue and take a step away from them. Reward them with praise and a tasty treat when they come to you.
I like to do a mix of " parlour tricks " and tricks that have value in real world applications.
Begin by teaching your dog your chosen cue word for the recall. This could be, 'Come', 'Here', or you can even use a whistle, just make sure you choose your word and stick to it. To introduce the word, stand near your dog and call them to you with lots of enthusiasm, using your chosen cue word and their name.
Generally, dogs dislike hugs, not being allowed to sniff, a lack of routine, and more. Even the most laid-back dog will hate some of the things we humans do—if they tolerate it, it's just because they love you or don't want to be dominant.
An hour for a dog feels much longer than an hour for a human because dogs perceive time more slowly due to their faster metabolism and heightened awareness of routines, so a 10-minute wait can feel like 70 minutes to them, and your hour-long absence feels like an eternity, though they don't grasp clock time but rather the intervals between events like meals, walks, and your return.
In conclusion, dogs are sensitive creatures that can remember and react to raised voices. While they don't hold grudges, repeated negative experiences can impact their behavior and emotional well-being. Understanding your dog's emotional states and body language is crucial for building a strong and loving relationship.
The seven second rule. Put the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it for seven seconds, it is too hot to walk for your dogs. This rule also applies to dogs riding in the bed of a pickup truck.
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
The time it takes for a dog to adjust to a new home can vary from one dog to another. Normally, it takes 2-3 weeks for a dog to adjust to a new home, but it can take up to 3 months for them to fully adjust behaviourally.
The 10 minute rule means that for every hour of playtime, dogs should have a 10-minute break. This break helps them cool down and rest. In a dog boarding setting, this rule is crucial. Dogs have different energy levels, and some may get tired faster than others.
The length of time a dog can be left alone depends on the individual dog but we advise that they are left for no longer than four hours so they have opportunities to exercise, go to the toilet, and spend time with people.