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It’s a common sight: a dog owner asking their dog to “come” again and again while their dog runs off sniffing the grass. Sound familiar? When you ask your dog to come, you’re expecting them to stop whatever they are doing and immediately return to you. That’s a big ask!
A reliable recall is more than convenient, it’s potentially lifesaving. In case of an emergency, you need to know your dog will come to you no matter what. Read on to learn how to train a reliable recall.
Have you ever found yourself standing in the middle of a park, repeatedly calling your dog’s name while they happily ignore you to sniff that super interesting patch of grass? Yeah, me too. It’s not just embarrassing – it can be downright dangerous when your furry friend decides that squirrel is way more interesting than you.
Teaching your dog to come when called (also known as “recall”) is probably one of the most important commands they’ll ever learn. It’s not just convenient – it could literally save their life in an emergency situation. The good news? With some patience and the right techniques you can transform your dog from selective listener to reliable responder.
Why Dogs Don’t Come When Called
Before we dive into training let’s understand why dogs sometimes ignore us
- Distractions: The world is full of exciting smells, sounds, and sights
- Lack of positive association: If “come” means bath time or the end of fun, why would they listen?
- Inconsistent training: Sometimes we let them get away with ignoring us
- Not enough practice: They simply haven’t learned what the command means in different environments
Essential Preparation Before Training Recall
Teaching Your Dog Their Name
Before you can expect your dog to come when called, they need to understand their name means “pay attention to me.” Here’s how to play the name game
- Start in a quiet room with minimal distractions
- Wait until your dog is looking elsewhere
- Say their name in an excited, happy voice
- When they look at you, immediately mark with a “yes” or clicker
- Reward with praise and a treat
- Gradually add distractions as they improve
Soon, your dog will automatically tune in whenever they hear their name, which is the foundation of a good recall.
The “Gotcha” Game
Another important pre-training step is teaching your dog that being grabbed by the collar is a positive experience. Many dogs dart away when you reach for them, which defeats the purpose of coming when called!
- Call your dog over with a treat
- Let them nibble the treat while saying “gotcha”
- Gently grab their collar while they continue eating
- Release the collar and praise
- Gradually make the collar grabs firmer and faster
- Practice in different locations
This simple exercise ensures your dog won’t play the “catch me if you can” game after they’ve come to you.
Step-by-Step Recall Training
Now for the main event! Here’s how to train a rock-solid recall:
Step 1: Indoor Training With Leash
- With your dog on a leash and just a few feet away, say their name followed by “come” in an excited voice
- Use enticing body language – pat your legs, clap, make kissy noises
- When they approach, mark the moment with a click or “yes”
- PRAISE LIKE CRAZY and give a high-value treat (think chicken, not dry biscuits)
- Let them wander to the end of the leash before calling again
- Repeat 5-10 times per session, several times daily
Step 2: Indoor Training Off-Leash
- In a quiet room with doors closed, let your dog off leash
- Call their name + “come” in your most exciting voice
- Run backward as you call – dogs love to chase!
- When they reach you, mark and reward generously
- Practice in different rooms of your house
- Add the “sit” command when they reach you so they stay put
- Occasionally add a “gotcha” collar grab
Step 3: Adding Distractions
Once your dog reliably comes when called indoors, it’s time to up the ante:
- Start with minor distractions like another person in the room
- Progress to someone cooking in the kitchen
- Try with toys visible but out of reach
- Practice when your dog is mildly engaged in something else
Remember to use your MOST EXCITING voice and BEST REWARDS during this phase.
Step 4: Outdoor Training
The great outdoors is where most recall training falls apart. Take it slow:
- Start in a quiet, enclosed area
- Keep your dog on a 6-foot leash at first
- Call them using the same techniques as indoors
- As they improve, graduate to a 20-30 foot long line
- Gradually increase distractions – practice in busier areas
- ALWAYS reward generously for outdoor recalls
Pro Tips for Reliable Recalls
Make Yourself the Party
Your dog needs to believe that coming to you is THE MOST EXCITING THING EVER. Some ways to achieve this:
- Use a special recall treat they ONLY get when coming when called
- Be animated and enthusiastic when they arrive
- Sometimes reward with a game of tug or fetch instead of food
- Run away from them as you call – it triggers their chase instinct
Never Punish a Recall
This is absolutely crucial: never scold your dog when they come to you, even if they took forever or did something naughty beforehand. If you call your dog and then give them a bath, put them in their crate, or scold them for running off, they’ll learn that “come” means “fun’s over” and will stop responding.
Play Recall Games
Make training fun with these games:
- Round Robin: Have family members take turns calling the dog from different locations
- Hide and Seek: Hide somewhere in the house, call your dog, and reward when they find you
- Recall Races: Have two people stand apart and take turns calling the dog back and forth
Use a Special Recall Cue
Some trainers recommend having a special emergency recall word that’s different from your everyday “come” command. This word should:
- Be used ONLY in emergencies or training sessions
- ALWAYS be rewarded with something amazing (like bits of chicken or steak)
- Never be associated with anything negative
Words like “here,” “now,” or even “casino” (something unique you don’t say often) can work well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made plenty of mistakes in my recall training journey. Here are some to avoid:
- Calling repeatedly: If you call “come” twenty times, you’re teaching your dog to ignore the first 19 calls
- Chasing after your dog: This turns into a fun game of keep-away
- Using an angry tone: Would you run toward someone who sounds mad at you?
- Inconsistent rewards: Sometimes treating, sometimes not
- Only calling when it’s time to leave: Your dog will learn that “come” means the fun is ending
What to Do When Your Dog Ignores You
We’ve all been there – standing in the middle of the park, calling our dog who’s pretending we don’t exist. Here’s what to do:
- Don’t chase – this reinforces the game
- Don’t keep repeating the command – this teaches them it’s optional
- Try running away from your dog while calling excitedly
- Get low to the ground and make interesting noises
- Show a high-value treat or favorite toy if needed
- If all else fails, slowly approach (don’t chase) your dog and attach the leash without scolding
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve been consistently working on recall for several weeks with little improvement, it might be time to consult a professional dog trainer. They can spot issues in your technique and provide personalized advice.
Final Thoughts
Remember, teaching your dog to come when called is a journey, not a destination. Even the best-trained dogs will occasionally have selective hearing when something REALLY exciting is happening. The key is consistency, patience, and making yourself more rewarding than whatever distraction they’re facing.
By investing time in proper recall training, you’re not just making your life easier – you’re potentially saving your dog’s life. A reliable recall means more freedom for your dog to enjoy off-leash activities safely, which means a happier, healthier life for both of you.
So grab those treats, put on your most exciting voice, and start practicing! Your future self will thank you when your dog comes racing back at the first call, tail wagging and ready for their reward.
What recall training challenges have you faced with your dog? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!
Collar Grabs and the Name Game
Before you start training the “come” cue, you need to teach your dog a few other words. The first is their name, and it should mean “pay attention to me.”
How to Train a Recall
Now you’re ready to train the recall. The key to success is being the most exciting thing in your dog’s environment. If you’re where the party is, why wouldn’t your dog want to come and see what all the excitement is about? But if you sound angry, harsh, or even just boring, why would your dog be interested? So, start your training in a quiet environment with your dog on leash. It’s easier to be exciting when there’s no competition.
You also need to use rewards your dog loves. That might be a game of tug-of-war or a piece of chicken. Make this so worth their while they would never consider not responding. These steps will get you started:
- With your dog only a few feet away from you, say their name, then “come,” and entice them to approach you. You can pat your legs, make kissy noises, clap your hands, etc.
- As soon as your dog approaches you, click/mark the moment, then praise like crazy while you offer a favorite reward.
- Once your dog is coming every time you call, add some distance. Let your dog wander to the end of their leash before you call them back.
- Now, let them off leash in a quiet room and repeat. To encourage them to approach you, run backwards as you say “come.” Dogs love a good chase.
- Repeat your training in different rooms of the house.
- When your dog is happily running to you every time, ask for a “sit” when they arrive. Then click/mark/praise and reward. You want your dog to be stationary when they come, not to bounce away again as soon as they’re done with their reward.
- Once you’ve successfully added “sit,” add a “gotcha” every so often to teach your dog that it’s okay if you restrain them too.
Make sure that whenever your dog comes to you, they get plenty of praise, pets, and play, as well as a treat or toy. This isn’t a time to be stingy. Your dog should think that coming when called is incredibly fun. You can even play recall games like round robin (where a group of people each calls your dog in turn) or find me (where you hide in another room before you call your dog).
Train Your Dog to COME when CALLED EVERY TIME – Online Dog Training Made Easy
FAQ
How long does it take a dog to come when called?
With consistent training sessions, you can expect your dog to reliably come when called within one to two months. Some dogs might take longer or shorter to achieve a reliable recall. Pro Tip: Once your dog can consistently recall the command “come,” gradually increase the distance between you.
How do I get my Dog to come when I call?
If you want your dog to come when you call, you’ll have to work so that they associate the word you choose as a call (“come,” “here,” or “now”) with the action of presenting themselves beside or in front of you. The ideal is to carry out this process when your dog is still a puppy, after starting their education.
How do you get a dog to come to you?
Avoid panicking or getting angry when your dog refuses to come to you. This is very easy to detect in your voice, and no dog wants to go near an angry person. Keep calm, and use the same tone every time you call your dog. Call your dog in a way that makes them want to come to you. This is even easier with a recall whistle.
How do you tell a dog to ‘come’?
You tell your dog to “come” and promptly put him on the lead or in the car. “It’s like being called to the head teacher’s office.” “It’s like being called to the head teacher’s office—it’s something they don’t like so they don’t want to come,” Ulbrich says. “They learn to stop coming when called because they don’t want to leave the park.”
Should you teach your dog to come when called?
Strengthen your bond and ensure your dog’s safety by teaching them to come when called. Teaching recall offers long-lasting rewards. Teaching your dog to come when called is a great way to build a strong bond with your pup. It’s also a great way to keep your puppy safe and sets a foundation for other commands your furry friend will need to learn.
What does it mean when a dog says ‘Come’?
“The dog thinks ‘come’ means being able to see them is good enough and they don’t understand they have to come all the way to you,” Ulbrich adds. Recall may just be the most important thing you can teach your dog. Making sure he’s 100% reliable when you call him could even save his life.
What do you do when your dog doesn’t come when called?
How do you fix a dog that ignores the recall?
If you call your dog and your dog ignores you, don’t continue to call it over and over, and don’t give chase. Wait for your dog to be less distracted and try again. When your dog obeys the recall command, try to avoid putting it on the lead and leaving the park straight away.
How to make a stubborn dog come when called?
What is the 3-3-3 rule for dog anxiety?
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline outlining the typical adjustment period for a rescue dog after adoption, broken into three phases: 3 days of feeling overwhelmed and nervous, 3 weeks of settling into a routine and showing their personality, and 3 months of feeling truly at home, trusting, and bonding with their new family. This rule provides a helpful framework for new owners to set realistic expectations and be patient, as the timeline can vary for each dog.