Why Recall Matters
Improving recall is one of the most common struggles owners come to me for help with. And it’s no wonder—recall is the skill that keeps your dog safe, and everyone else around them safe too.
We’ve all been there:
- That heart-sinking moment when someone’s dog barrels towards yours while their owner calls (shouts!) their name over and over, to no avail.
- Or the embarrassment of realising… that dog is yours.
- Or perhaps you have a squirrel-obsessed pooch who disappears into the bushes for what feels like hours, no matter how many times you call.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. But the good news? Recall is trainable, and the journey starts with the basics.
Before You Begin Recall Training
Rewards
What’s in it for your dog when they come running back? Rewards don’t always have to mean food. They could be:
- A game of tug
- A chase with you
- Permission to sniff that interesting patch
- A cuddle or stroke
That said, food is the easiest to use when starting out. Choose treats that are:
- Large enough to see when thrown
- Non-crumbly
- Quick to eat
Mix up your rewards to keep recall exciting. And remember: reward every recall—generously!
Cues
How will you call your dog back?
- Short, snappy, and distinct words work best.
- Avoid just using their name—it gets used too often in daily life to stand out as a recall cue.
- Many people use a whistle: consistent, emotion-free, and loud enough to carry. Two or three short pips usually do the trick.
Know Your Dog’s Distractions
Think about what’s most likely to pull your dog away: other dogs, people, wildlife, scents, or sounds? This helps you plan your training environments.
Recall Training Games
Start in a quiet, low-distraction environment—your living room is perfect. Build success gradually before testing outdoors. Keep sessions short, fun, and rewarding.
1. Orientation Recall Game
Throw a treat to your side. As your dog turns back, use your recall cue (“Puppuppup!”). Toss a treat the other way and repeat. Soon your dog will be racing back to you.
- Level up: Throw multiple treats, send them through your legs, or add in body turns.
- Troubleshooting: If they wander off, try indoors or pop them on lead.
- Orientation Recall Game
2. Drop and Run
Drop a treat, dash a few steps away, then call your cue as they chase after you. Reward, then run again.
- Level up: Add distance, drop multiple treats, or run into another room.
- Troubleshooting: Use higher-value treats or shorter distances.
- Drop and Run Recall Game
3. Restrained Recall
With a helper holding your dog, walk away with a toy or treats. Call your recall cue and get excited. When released, your dog bolts towards you.
- Level up: Increase distance or hide from view.
- Troubleshooting: Start easier if they run elsewhere.
4. Recall From Distraction
Place a low-value treat under a cup. Move away and call your dog to you, rewarding with something higher-value.
- Level up: Uncover the treat or use more tempting distractions.
- Troubleshooting: If they sneak a treat, reset and make the next round easier.
- Recall from Distraction Game
Key Concepts for Reliable Recall
There are other concepts that will help with that recall apart from practicing getting your dog to return to you nice and quick. By working on these in parallel your recall will improve a lot quicker.
- Disengagement: Can your dog look at something exciting, then choose to turn away and come back to you?
- Proximity: Dogs that stay close are easier to recall—reward check-ins and sticking near you.
- Relationship: The stronger your bond, the more your dog will choose you over distractions. Play, train, and connect outside of walks.
Common Recall Mistakes
- Repeating their name endlessly: If they’re not coming, change your tactic—whistle, run away, or make a new sound.
- Putting them on lead immediately after recall: Mix it up, so recall doesn’t always signal the end of fun.
- Asking for a sit before rewarding: You risk rewarding the sit, not the recall. Reward first, then ask for a sit if you want.
- Telling them off when they finally return: No matter how long it takes, always make returning to you rewarding.
Proofing Your Recall
Once solid in easy settings, test recall with bigger challenges:
- Recall away from food in a sealed container.
- Recall from another person holding food.
- Recall away from toys (still and moving).
- Practise near known “hot spots” where they’ve run off before—on lead if needed.
Management Tools
- Long lines give your dog freedom while keeping you in control. (Attach to a harness, not a collar.)
- Loop the line in your hand to avoid tangles.
- Retractable leads aren’t ideal—they always create tension and don’t teach slack-lead awareness.
Top Tips for Recall Success
🌟 The Golden Rule: Practice makes perfect. And then practice some more. Recall is a numbers game—the more successful recalls, the stronger the behaviour.
🧠 Mindset & Motivation: Make coming back the best deal in town—better than anything else. Use great rewards, be excited, and celebrate every return.
🎯 Training Techniques: Start easy, gradually add distractions, and use long lines for safety. Reward generously and make it fun.
🗺️ Environment Matters: Don’t set your dog up to fail. Begin in simple environments and build difficulty carefully.
📣 Final Reminder: Reward every recall, even slow ones. If your cue has been ignored too much, consider teaching a fresh one. Above all: practise, practise, practise.
I hope you have found this useful and you have lots of ideas on where to start with your dog’s recall or how to top it up.
I cover a lot of recall games and exercises in my group dog classes so check out the web page for dates so you can join in the next class Coaching and Classes
Check out my Facebook page for more recall games and tips http://www.facebook.com/abcdogswithkatie
Have Fun!