Recall
Recall, or coming when called, is probably the command that decays the fastest if you're not actively using it. During the summer, a lot of dogs get more freedom. Maybe they're off leash at the lake house, running around a fenced yard at a family gathering, or just out and about more than usual with less structure. All of that unstructured freedom means fewer chances to actually reinforce a clean recall.
Stay is another one that quietly falls apart over time, especially the duration and distance parts of it. Your dog might still sit and stay for three seconds while you're standing right there, but ask for a two minute stay while you walk across the room and grab something off the counter, and you might get a different result.
Rebuilding a strong stay is about going back to basics and being patient with the process. Shorten the time and distance, then build it back up gradually. It's tempting to jump right back to where you left off months ago, but dogs don't hold onto skills the same way we do. A little humility here goes a long way.
Leash Manners
This one sneaks up on people. Maybe the walks got shorter over the summer, or you were more relaxed about pulling because you were just trying to get the dog some exercise before it got too hot outside. Whatever the reason, loose leash walking is a skill that needs consistent handling to stay sharp. If your walks have started to feel more like a tug of war, that's your sign to go back to reinforcing the basics.
Why this Matters
Fall is a great reset button. Kids go back to school, work schedules stabilize, and a lot of households naturally settle into a more predictable rhythm. That predictability is exactly what dogs thrive on. Taking a few weeks this season to revisit foundational commands sets your dog, and your whole household, up for a much smoother fall and winter. Contact us to schedule a free consultation for personalized, in-home dog training at (312) 469-0690, or Evan@Midwest-Mutts.com
