If your dog’s recall is unreliable — if “come” sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t — you have a potentially dangerous situation on your hands. A dog that doesn’t come when called can run into traffic, get into fights, or disappear. The good news: recall is very trainable, even in dogs with poor recall history. Here’s how the pros do it.
The Golden Rules of Recall Training
1. Never punish the dog for coming to you. Even if they took 20 minutes, even if they were doing something frustrating — the moment they arrive, celebrate like they’ve done the best thing in the world. Your dog must always associate coming to you with wonderful things happening. 2. Don’t repeat the cue. Saying “Come! Come! COME!” teaches your dog that the first “come” means nothing. Say it once, make it happen. 3. Never use recall for bad news. Don’t call your dog to put them in their crate, cut their nails, or end the fun. Call them, reward, then let them go again.
Building Recall Step by Step
Start indoors in a boring room. Say “Come!” enthusiastically and back away from your dog (movement away is irresistible to most dogs). When they reach you, jackpot reward — the best treats you have, delivered multiple times. Practice 50-100 times in boring environments before taking it outside.
The Long Line
A 15-30 foot long line allows your dog freedom to sniff and explore while giving you the ability to enforce recall when needed. Never let a dog with an unreliable recall off leash in an unenclosed area.
Recall as Part of a Training Foundation
Recall is most reliable in dogs who have a strong training relationship with their owner — dogs who find learning rewarding and enjoy working with humans. Building this relationship through programs like makes recall training dramatically easier. See also our stay guide — stay and come work together as a pair.
🏃 Build a Recall That Saves Lives