Updated

Dog training

Recall Training

Recall works when coming back is worth it, practiced often, and never used to end every good thing.

Build a cue your dog trusts before you test it around squirrels, other dogs, and open spaces.

Start here

Dog running back for treat toss recallFoundationTreat Toss Recall

Creates a fast, happy turn back toward you.

 Dog practicing recall on a long lineSafetyLong Line Recall

Practice freedom without gambling.

 Two people practicing recall with a dogFamilyTwo-Person Recall

Easy reps with big enthusiasm.

 Dog checking in on a trailTrail skillTrail Check-In

Rewards staying connected before you call.
Foundation Long Line Distractions Mistakes

Build the cue

Make the word predict something excellent every time.

Dog returning during a treat toss recall.
Treat Toss RecallBeginner

Toss a treat away, call once, then reward big when your dog turns back.

 Dog moving between people during recall practice.
Two-Person RecallBeginner

Two people take turns calling and rewarding across a room or yard.

 Dog responding to name game
Name Then ComeBeginner

Name gets attention. Come means move all the way to you.

 Dog calmly accepting handling
Collar Touch FinishIntermediate

Reward a gentle collar touch so recall ends close enough to clip the leash.

Practice with freedom

A long line lets you practice real movement while keeping your dog safe.

Young dog practicing recall with room to move.
Long Line RecallBeginner

Let your dog explore, call once, reward, then release back to sniffing.

 Dog checking in during trail practice.
Trail Check-InBeginner

Reward your dog for looking back before you need to call.

 Dog finding a person during recall game
Find Your PersonBeginner

Hide close by and reward your dog for searching back to you.

 Dog sniffing on a long walk
Release BackWalk plan

After many recalls, let your dog return to sniffing so coming back does not always end fun.

Add distractions carefully

Harder recalls need distance, better rewards, and easier setups.

Dog working at a calm distance from distractions.
Low-Level DogsIntermediate

Start far enough from other dogs that your dog can still eat and turn.

 Dog playing with a flirt pole
Toy Chase RecallPlay rules

Call away from a moving toy only after the foundation is strong.

 Dog turning quickly back toward a person.
Emergency RecallIntermediate

Use a special word with rare, amazing rewards. Do not use it casually.

 Dog listening for a clear recall sound cue.
Whistle PatternBeginner

A clear whistle can travel farther than a voice if you condition it carefully.

Protect the cue

Most recall problems come from poisoned cues and unrealistic tests.

Dog resting calmly during a home training routine.
Call OnceCue use

If your dog cannot respond, help them instead of repeating the word ten times.

 Dog returning calmly after a reward.
Never Punish ReturnCue use

Even if the dog took too long, reward the choice to come back.

 Dog returning and releasing back to safe fun.
Do Not Only End FunCue use

Call, reward, release, and repeat so recall does not always mean leash on.

 Dog walking safely on leash
Use ManagementSafety

No recall is a substitute for fences, leashes, and safe choices near roads.