Repairing the Recall: Resetting After a Busy Shooting Season

The final drive has ended, the game bags are packed away, and the guns are cleaned. But as the dust settles on another busy shooting season, many gundog owners notice a frustrating side effect of months in the field: the "selective hearing" syndrome.

During the heat of a drive, with birds flushing and adrenaline high, even the best-trained dogs can pick up bad habits. Perhaps they pushed a little too far, ignored a whistle because they were on a scent, or realized that in the chaos, "come" became more of a suggestion than a command.

If your recall has lost its polish, don't panic. Now is the perfect time to hit the reset button. Here is how to repair your recall and get your partner back on track for the off-season.

1. Be Honest: Conduct a "Post-Season Audit"
Before you can fix the problem, you need to identify where it broke down. Ask yourself:
  • Did the dog start "clamping" (ignoring the whistle while on scent)?
  • Did you find yourself repeating commands (the "Come, Come, COME!" trap)?
  • Was the environment simply too high-octane for their current level of training?
The Rule of One: If you have to say a command twice, you are teaching your dog that they don't have to listen the first time. Stop using the recall command in situations where you can’t enforce it until you’ve done the groundwork.

2. Back to Basics (Low Distraction)You can’t fix a broken recall in a field full of pheasants. Move back to your garden or a quiet hallway.

  • Change the Cue: If the word "Come" or your whistle blast has become "white noise" to your dog, consider changing it entirely. Start fresh with a new whistle pattern or a new word like "Here."
  • High-Value Rewards: The shooting field is the ultimate reward for a gundog. To compete with that, your "paycheck" needs to be substantial. Use prime steak, liver, or their absolute favorite toy—something they only get for a perfect recall.
3. The "Check-Cord" Strategy
If your dog has learned they can ignore you because you can't reach them, reintroduce the training lead or check-cord.

  • Let the lead trail behind them in a controlled environment.
  • Give your recall command.
  • If they hesitate, use the lead to gently guide them toward you.
  • The Goal: You are removing the option of "no."
4. Rebuild the "Magnetic" Connection
A great recall isn't just about the command; it’s about the dog wanting to be near you. Spend time rebuilding your bond through:

  • Hide and Seek: Hide behind a tree during a walk. When the dog realizes you’re "gone" and finds you, celebrate wildly.

  • Random Reinforcement: Occasionally call your dog to you during a walk, give them a high-value treat, and then immediately release them to go play again. This teaches them that coming to you doesn't always mean the fun ends.
5. Proofing Under Pressure
Once the recall is 100% in the garden, gradually increase the "volume" of the environment. Move to a park, then the edge of a wood, then a field with old scent.

Pro Tip: Never recall your dog only when it’s time to go home. If you do, the recall becomes a "punishment" that ends their fun.
Final Thoughts....

A "blown" recall is a standard part of working with high-drive dogs; it’s a sign of a dog that loves its job. By taking the time now to strip back the layers and rebuild the foundation, you’ll ensure that by the time next season rolls around, your dog is as sharp as the day they finished their initial training.