Mastering Reliable Recall: Teaching Your Dog to Come When Called

Imagine this all too familiar scenario: “Merlin”… “Merlin”… “Come here!” Your voice echoes across the park, yet your dog, seemingly deaf to your calls, remains fixated on that intriguing clump of damp grass. With a nonchalant glance your way, Merlin continues his olfactory adventure. Does this resonate with you?

While the great outdoors can unleash your dog’s inner wildness, you can indeed teach your furry companion to come reliably when called, even amid the most captivating scent trails. Through consistent practice, your dog can become genuinely eager to heed your summons, no matter how intriguing the sniffs may be.

Follow these 10 straightforward steps to master recall training:

Start Indoors
Begin the training as soon as you acquire your puppy or older dog. When your dog is already heading your way, use the command word “come” or “here.” Choose a consistent word or even employ a whistle, which is equally effective. Praise and reward your dog, even if they’ve only moved a foot toward you. Practice calling or whistling from various distances, and have a friend hold your dog before you call, without requiring them to sit or stay first.
Limit Off-Leash Time
Refrain from letting your dog roam off-leash in unenclosed areas until they have a reliable recall inside your home or garden. Doing otherwise can pose risks and set your dog up for failure. To ease your dog into the concept of freedom while maintaining control, use a 30-meter lead. Only call your dog when they seem likely to come to you. If they don’t, shorten the lead and praise or treat them when they draw near.
Delicious Treats
Opt for enticing treats that capture your dog’s attention, as dry kibble alone may not be exciting enough to reinforce recall. These special treats should be reserved exclusively for training.
Avoid Overusing Commands
Refrain from repeating your command, as overuse can lead to your dog ignoring it. Use the command when you’re confident your dog will respond, such as not while they’re chasing something else. Then, reward them generously.
Maintain a Positive Tone and Body Language
Keep your tone cheerful, and use inviting body language by getting down on your knees and opening your arms wide when calling your dog. Avoid panicking or displaying anger when your dog hesitates to come. Dogs shy away from approaching an angry individual.
Reward with Freedom
To prevent your dog from associating recall solely with the end of playtime, call them to you every few minutes. When they respond, praise, treat, and put them on the lead, then release them once more. This approach ensures that your dog does not equate the lead with the end of fun.
Limit Socializing
It’s important to curtail excessive friendliness in your dog. Dogs that view every stranger, dog, or human as a new best friend can be highly distracting. During walks on the training leash, avoid allowing your dog to approach everyone they encounter. Dogs behave differently on a lead, especially when encountering other dogs, so be cautious. Keep social interactions brief and regain your dog’s attention promptly.
Refrain from Scolding
Criticizing your dog upon their return rarely works well, as they may not understand and it can cause fear and confusion. Even when your dog has been disobedient, run off, and ignored you, offer praise upon their return, even if you had to locate them. Demonstrating anger toward your dog may deter them from returning next time.
Don’t Chase Your Dog
Resist the urge to chase your dog, whether in the garden or during play. Whenever possible, reverse the roles, making your dog chase you. Run around your home or garden, and when they catch up with you, reward them. This tactic allows you to encourage your dog to pursue you when they are hesitant to come when called.
Engage in Hide and Seek
To reinforce the concept from the previous step, introduce your dog to the game of hide and seek. Start indoors by hiding and then calling or whistling for your dog. Shower them with praise and treats when they discover you. By incorporating this enjoyable game into your training routine, you are teaching your dog that they should always keep you in mind, and it should be enjoyable to verify your whereabouts.

Keep in mind that, no matter how much training you provide or how delectable the treats, there may be times when your dog doesn’t respond to your recall. Dogs are not infallible, and their keen senses often make it challenging to ignore distractions. Above all, remain patient and prioritize safety throughout your training endeavors.