Getting your dog to come back when called can sometimes feel like a negotiation with someone who’s already checked out. They hear you, they register the sound, but actually responding is not on today’s agenda, and you’re left standing there wondering if “come” actually means something else.
Recall is essential, though. It keeps your dog safe, and it keeps your blood pressure from hitting new highs.
So how do you get your dog to actually come back — without turning every call into a bribe fest?
These five recall tips keep it simple, effective, and totally bribe-free.
🎉1. Make Yourself More Interesting Than Literally Anything Else
If your dog’s busy sniffing, or plotting world domination via squirrel chase, your recall has to beat some stiff competition.
So step one: be the most fun option on the block.
Use a voice that sounds like someone you’d actually want to hang out with. Not the flat, tired monotone voice that you default to after the tenth call.
Here’s what really tips the scales: work on your relationship through play. Building a strong, positive bond outside of recall training means your dog is more likely to want to come back— not just because they have to, but because they genuinely want to be with you. So throw that ball and play with a tug. The better the relationship, the better the recall.
🎁2. Reward, But Not Always With Food
Yes, treats are magic recall currency, but your dog shouldn’t only come running because they expect snacks, or see you shaking a packet of treats. Mix it up. Use praise, a quick game of tug, a belly rub, or whatever your dog loves receiving from you. The goal is to make coming to you more rewarding than whatever they’re ignoring you for.
Pro tip: don’t ask them to perform a militant amount of obedience now they’re back. After all, they just made the effort to come when called and that deserves its own celebration. If you immediately pile on commands, it can turn recall into a chore instead of a win. Keep it simple, give them credit, and make coming back something they actually want to do.
🌍3. Practice Recall in Different Environments
If “come” only means “get inside now” or “leave the garden,” don’t expect your dog to listen when there’s an entire park full of distractions.
Vary your practice locations and distractions gradually, so your dog learns that “come” means the same thing whether you’re at home, on a walk, or somewhere new. Consistency across settings builds reliability.
🦮4. Don’t Be That Person at the Park
If your dog doesn’t reliably recall, don’t just let them off lead and hope for the best. Freedom is great, but safety and respect for others are better.
Use a long line or a flexi lead. Let them explore, but when they ignore your calls, gently reel them back in before setting them off again. This keeps your dog safe, keeps the park a happy place for everyone, and builds the habit of responding even when distractions are high.
🔁5. Don’t Chase — Change the Game
If your dog ignores you and takes off, resist the urge to chase. Chasing often turns recall into a fun game for your dog and you’re the loser. Instead, try turning away or running backwards in the opposite direction of them, then call them with enthusiasm. That little change of pace can spark their curiosity enough to have them rethink ignoring you.
Final Thoughts
Building reliable recall takes time, patience, and plenty of practice, especially when your dog finds a rustling leaf more interesting than your call. But every time you show up as the best part of their day, without turning recall into a bribe or a chore, you’re strengthening your bond and making “come” a word they truly want to listen to. You’ve got this - one recall at a time.
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