A dog owner in the UK shared a humorous video on TikTok showcasing her dog’s recall training, which appears to be going poorly. The video, posted by @mac_the_golden, shows the dog at Rother Valley Country Park ignoring its owner’s commands. The caption jokingly reads, “Recall training is going great thanks.” The video quickly went viral, accumulating over 2.3 million views and 200,000 likes. Despite the dog’s lack of response, recall training is essential for all dog owners to ensure their pets come when called.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, a British animal charity, considers recall training to be one of the most important forms of training for dogs. Before allowing a dog off the leash, owners should be confident that their pet will come to them when called nearly 100 percent of the time. Recall training can be initiated at home or in a fenced garden, using a longline training lead for safety if necessary. Consistency in using the same cue word and rewarding the dog immediately with a treat or toy is crucial in reinforcing the desired behavior. The American Kennel Club suggests incorporating fun games like “Catch me,” hide-and-seek, and “hot potato” to make recall training enjoyable for both the owner and the dog.
The viral video featuring @mac_the_golden’s recall training mishap drew a humorous response from internet users. Comments on the video highlighted the typical behavior of a golden retriever, with one user joking that water causes immediate hearing loss for their own golden retriever. Another user playfully remarked that there was no need to shout again at the dog after it had ignored the first call. The lighthearted reaction to the video demonstrates the universal experience of dog owners dealing with obedience training challenges. Pet owners are encouraged to share their own funny and heartwarming videos and photos of their furry companions with Newsweek for a chance to be featured in the Pet of the Week lineup.
The training of a dog’s recall response is vital for ensuring its safety and well-being in various environments. Starting recall training at home or in a secure area is recommended before transitioning to off-leash practice in public spaces. Consistent use of a cue word and immediate rewards for compliance help reinforce the desired behavior in dogs. The incorporation of fun games into the training process can make learning enjoyable for both the pet and the owner. While some dogs may initially struggle with recall training, patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key to achieving success in obedience training.
The challenges and successes of recall training are familiar to many dog owners, as evidenced by the humorous viral video shared by @mac_the_golden. Despite the dog’s reluctance to respond to its owner’s calls, the video sparked a lighthearted response from internet users who shared similar experiences with their own pets. The importance of recall training in ensuring a dog’s safety and responsiveness to commands cannot be overstated. By incorporating consistent cues, rewards, and engaging activities into training sessions, owners can help their dogs develop strong recall skills. While training may have its comedic moments, the ultimate goal is to foster a bond of trust and communication between dog and owner that enhances the overall relationship.
