Many dog owners are familiar with the frustration of calling their dog repeatedly, only to be ignored as their pet continues to explore. Teaching your dog to return to you when called—known as a “recall”—is not just about convenience. It’s an essential skill that can keep your dog safe in unexpected situations.

Below is a clear step-by-step guide to building a reliable recall behavior using positive methods.

Step 1: Teach Name Recognition

Before teaching “come,” your dog should first associate their name with paying attention. You want them to stop what they’re doing and look at you when they hear their name.

How to do it:

• Start in a quiet space with no distractions.

• Wait until your dog is looking away, then say their name in a cheerful voice.

• When they turn toward you, immediately use a marker word like “yes” and give them a reward.

• Repeat this until your dog responds consistently, then gradually increase distractions (like toys or background noise).

Once they reliably react to their name, they’re ready for the next step.

Step 2: Practice Gentle Collar Grabs

Sometimes dogs shy away when we reach for their collar. Teaching them to feel good about this contact is important, especially during recalls or emergencies.

How to do it:

• Lure your dog to you with a treat.

• When they get close, say a word like “gotcha” and gently take hold of their collar.

• Reward immediately after grabbing the collar.

• Over time, increase the speed and firmness of the collar grab, always following up with a reward.

• Practice this in different locations so your dog generalizes the behavior.

This way, your dog will stay with you rather than darting away after responding to a recall.

Step 3: Start Recall Training in a Calm Environment

Now that your dog knows their name and is comfortable with collar grabs, it’s time to begin recall training.

Tips for success:

• Choose a quiet room or fenced area to start.

• Use high-value rewards—something your dog truly loves (chicken, tug toy, etc.).

• Be fun and engaging. Clap, run backwards, or use a playful tone.

Steps to follow:

1. With your dog nearby, say their name followed by “come.”

2. Encourage them to approach using gestures or sounds.

3. As soon as they reach you, mark the behavior and give a generous reward.

4. Practice repeatedly, then slowly add distance—first at the end of a leash, then off-leash in a secure space.

5. Introduce a “sit” after they reach you to keep them from running off again.

6. Occasionally include a collar grab after they arrive to build familiarity.

Make the experience fun and rewarding every time so they associate coming to you with good things.

Step 4: Add Distractions

Once your dog reliably comes to you at home, it’s time to make the behavior more durable.

How to build it:

• Add minor distractions like someone walking by or a toy on the floor.

• Continue marking and rewarding every successful response.

• If they struggle, reduce the difficulty temporarily, then try again.

Step 5: Take It Outside (With Safety!)

The outdoors has many distractions, so don’t start with full freedom.

Outdoor practice plan:

• Use a 6-foot leash first, then progress to a long line (20–30 feet).

• Repeat the same steps: call, mark, praise, reward.

• The leash is not for pulling them in—just a safety tool if they ignore the call.

• If they don’t respond, shorten the distance, simplify the environment, and reintroduce excitement.

Final Tips

• Keep training sessions short and frequent.

• Never punish your dog for returning to you—even if it took them a while.

• Don’t only call them when it’s time for something unpleasant (like bath time). Mix in fun, play, and treats.

• Use recall games like “round robin” (with family members calling them in turns) or hide-and-seek to make training even more fun.

A reliable recall takes time, patience, and consistency. But once your dog understands that “come” leads to good things, they’ll be much more likely to listen—no matter what else is going on around them.