Dog recall is one of the most important commands every dog owner should teach. A reliable recall ensures your dog comes back to you instantly, even in distracting or dangerous situations. Whether you’re at the park, on a hike, or in your backyard, having solid recall skills can prevent accidents and give your dog more freedom while staying safe.
Teaching your dog to come when called isn’t just a convenience—it’s a life-saving skill. Whether your dog is off-leash at a park or accidentally slips out of the yard, having a rock-solid recall can be the difference between safety and disaster. Here’s how to train your dog for reliable recall, step by step.
Step-by-Step Guide to Training Dog Recall
Step 1: Get the Right Gear
Before you start, you’ll need a long training leash (about 15-30 feet) to give your dog freedom while maintaining control. Your dog should also wear a collar or harness that you’re comfortable using.
Additionally, have high-value rewards ready. These could be treats, toys, or anything your dog finds irresistible. The goal is to make coming back to you more exciting than anything else they could be doing.
Step 2: Start in a Distraction-Free Zone
Begin training in a quiet, enclosed area. Avoid distractions like other dogs, people, or loud noises. Dogs learn best in a controlled environment before progressing to more challenging situations.
- Let your dog wander in the long line.
- Say their name followed by the command “Come!” in a confident, upbeat tone.
- The moment they move toward you, reward them heavily—praise, treats, and/or playtime.
- If they ignore you, give a gentle pop on the leash to redirect their attention.
Your body language matters! Be engaging—open your arms or run backward to encourage them to follow.
Step 3: Reinforce Full Dog Recall, Not Just “Near You” Recall
One common mistake is rewarding a dog for entering your vicinity rather than following through. Your dog should come to you and stay until released.
- If they approach but hesitate, step back to encourage them forward.
- Only reward them once they’re at you.
- Release cue matters: When training recall, decide on phrases like “OK” or “Break!” to let them know they can leave you.
If you skip this, your dog may learn to dash back and immediately bolt away again, defeating the purpose of recall training. The release command will help develop your communication and relationship!
Step 4: Increase Distractions Gradually
Once your dog consistently responds in a quiet space, start upping the challenge.
- Move to a larger outdoor area.
- Introduce light distractions (toys, mild noises, other people at a distance).
- Continue using the long line for safety and reinforcement.
If your dog ignores the recall command:
- Evaluate your environment. If it’s too distracting, take a step back in training.
- Adjust your reward. Is it exciting enough?
- Switch up training tools. Some dogs respond better to different collars, or even a remote collar as an off-leash communication tool (if trained properly).
Step 5: Transition to Off-Leash Recall
Once your dog consistently responds on the long line, you can start testing off-leash recall in a secure area.
- Keep the long line attached but let it drag so you still have control.
- Practice recalls in fenced parks or fields.
- If your dog hesitates or gets distracted, go back to structured training with the leash.
- Never test off-leash recall in an unsafe area
Pro Tip: Keep dog recall training fresh—practice often, even when your dog isn’t expecting it. Call them inside from the yard, call them away from their food, call them for random rewards. Make it random, not just when you need it.
Common Recall Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
- Not Following Through
- Your dog should complete the recall fully every time. If they stop short, guide them in with the leash.
- Not Being More Exciting Than the Environment
- If your dog ignores you, step up your game! Be fun, unpredictable, and rewarding.
- Overestimating Off-Leash Readiness
- If your dog won’t recall on a long line, they won’t do it off-leash. Build reliability first.
Step 6: Introducing the Remote Collar for Off-leash Control
To solidify your dog’s off-leash training, you can introduce the remote collar for full off-leash communication. The remote collar is the most effective tool to ensure off-leash safety.
- There are ways to properly and improperly use this tool. A low-level, communicative-based approach is a positive way to train your dog off-leash.
- It’s important to understand the training and introduction process of the remote collar as a communication tool, not a correction. Our online course walks you through exactly how to do this!
- It’s crucial to use a high-quality collar for this training. Inexpensive units found online can have negative effects on your training. The high-quality, recommended collar is by DOGTRA.
Final Thoughts: Reliable Recall Takes Time
Dog recall is a lifelong skill that requires regular practice. Start simple, stay consistent, and make coming to you the best thing ever for your dog.
Once you master this, your dog gains more freedom and peace of mind, and together, you enjoy a safer and more adventurous life!