Dobermann recall training without e-collar

Switching a dog from e-collar to positive reinforcement recall is genuinely one of the more rewarding transitions you can make — but it does require rebuilding the behaviour from scratch using high-value rewards, because the dog has been responding to pressure rather than choice. Reliable recall is the single most important skill a dog can have, and the most effective combination for retraining is a long line for safe practice plus a treat the dog goes absolutely wild for. To point you in the right direction: how old is your Dobermann, what does their recall look like right now when you're not using the e-collar, and are you after training aids, treats, or both?

That's completely normal — Rex has learned that the recall cue only really means something when the collar is on, so without it there's no reinforcement history to fall back on. At 5 he's mature enough to learn quickly once he understands there's something genuinely worth coming back for. What does he get excited about food-wise? Is he toy motivated at all, or is it all about the food?

Perfect — that makes this straightforward. For the treat I'd go with Forthglade Natural Meaty Treats, specifically the 100% turkey or chicken variety. They're single-ingredient, soft, and smell genuinely strong — exactly what you need to compete with the environment when you're working at distance on a long line. Dobermanns respond really well to high-arousal rewards and these tick every box: no fillers, easy to break into small pieces so you can reward frequently without filling him up, and they hold up in a treat pouch. For the long line, a 10-metre biothane line is the practical choice — it doesn't tangle like rope, it's easy to wipe clean, and it gives Rex enough freedom to make a genuine choice to come back while keeping him safe. The Julius-K9 10m biothane long line is well-made and sized right for a large breed. Start every session with the long line, call once, and the moment he turns toward you — reward before he even reaches you. That early marker is what rebuilds the behaviour fast.

Yes, absolutely — use a fresh cue. The old word carries baggage; Rex has a conditioned emotional response to it that's tied to the collar. Pick something you don't use in everyday conversation — a lot of trainers use a whistle or a word like "here" or even a unique sound. Load the new cue by saying it once, then immediately delivering the treat regardless of what he's doing, ten to fifteen times in a low-distraction setting. After that, it becomes a predictor of good things and you build the actual recall on top of that foundation. It's a small step that makes a big difference.

Good plan. Keep sessions short — five minutes is enough at first — and end on a success every time. Rex is going to work this out faster than you think once the treats are involved. If the Forthglade turkey ones don't move him, try the beef variety — occasionally a dog has a strong preference. Good luck with him.