Teach Your Dog Recall: A Reliable 'Come'

A reliable recall means your dog turns and runs back to you the first time you call, even when something exciting is going on. You build it by making "come" the best word your dog knows: reward it generously every time, practise in easy places first, use a long line before letting them off, and never use the cue for anything unpleasant.

Why recall matters

Recall is a safety skill. It can stop your dog running towards a road, chasing wildlife or bothering other people and dogs. It also gives your dog more freedom, because you can trust them off the lead in the right places.

Choose your cue

Pick one word or a whistle and use it only for recall. "Come" or "here" both work. If you've already used "come" a lot and your dog ignores it, start again with a brand-new word. A fresh cue has no bad history.

Use a happy, upbeat voice and say it once. Repeating it over and over teaches your dog that the first call is optional.

Use high-value rewards

Recall has to compete with squirrels, smells and other dogs, so ordinary kibble often isn't enough. Rank your dog's favourite things and save the best for recall:

Keep portions tiny and adjust meals so your dog doesn't gain weight. Check our list of foods that are toxic to dogs before using human food as treats.

Step by step

1. Start at home. In a quiet room, say your cue, step back and reward the moment your dog reaches you. Gently hold their collar as you reward, so they get used to being caught.
2. Add distance. Ask someone to hold your dog lightly, then call from across the room or garden.
3. Practise in the garden. Call when your dog is mildly distracted, not at the most exciting moment.
4. Move to quiet outdoor places on a long line.
5. Add distractions gradually, always making sure you'd bet on your dog coming back before you call.

Train with a long line

A long line lets your dog explore while keeping them safe. Attach it to a well-fitted harness rather than a collar, so a sudden stop doesn't jerk their neck. Let it trail or hold it loosely, and call when your dog is likely to respond. If they don't, gently reel in or move away to encourage them, then reward when they reach you. Never use the line to drag them in.

Games that build recall

• Puppy ping-pong. Two people stand apart and take turns calling, rewarding each arrival.
• Hide and seek. Hide in the house or garden and call once. Celebrate when your dog finds you.
• Run away. Call, then jog backwards or away. Most dogs love to chase.
• Check-ins. On walks, reward your dog every time they look back at you or come near by choice.

The golden rule: never call for bad things

If "come" is followed by a bath, nail trims, being told off or the end of a walk, your dog learns to avoid it. For anything they dislike, go and get them calmly instead.

On walks, call your dog back several times, reward, and send them off to play again. That way, coming back doesn't always mean the fun is over.

Troubleshooting

• They come halfway and stop. Crouch down, move away and sound exciting. Reward the moment they reach you.
• They stay just out of reach. Practise collar-touch-then-treat at home so being caught means good things.
• They ignore you near other dogs. Go back to the long line and practise at a distance where they can still listen.
• Adolescent wobbles. Many dogs seem to forget recall in adolescence. Go back to easier steps and keep rewards high.

Keep practising

Recall is never really finished. Keep rewarding it throughout your dog's life, and it will stay reliable when you need it most. For the basics, see our guide to teaching sit, stay and come.