The Recall
The recall or come command is the next exercise. You must put your rottweiler in a sit/stay off-leash, turn around, and walk to the opposite side of the ring. Then, on the judge's order, you must call your rottie. He must come straight to you and sit straight in front. The judge will then give the command “Finish.” Your rottie must perform a finish — that is, he must either go around you or turn around in place so that he will be in the heel position.
The obedience ring has a very strict protocol. You can't use food in the obedience ring, nor can you give a command twice. You can't use training tools, such as the clicker. You can't scold your rottweiler there, either. Likewise, you can't use hand signals and voice commands together, except when putting the dog in a stay.
Your rottweiler will need to know how to come. If he doesn't come reliably, teach him now. When you begin teaching the recall, hold a treat in your mouth to bring your dog up to a perfect sit in front of you. Some people use raw liver, but if you can't bear the thought of having raw liver in your mouth, cheese and cold cuts work just as well. If the notion truly disgusts you, just hold a small piece between your teeth. You don't have to look like a chipmunk squirreling away nuts in your cheek pockets!
When your rottie comes straight up to you and sits (be careful not to drop the treat if you have to give the sit command!), drop the cheese as a treat when he sits perfectly.
Finishing your rottweiler is more difficult. Start by using a treat to lure him into the correct position while using the command “Place,” “Heel,” or “Finish.” When he follows the treat correctly, give him the treat and praise him.
