Unlock the Secret to a Reliable Recall: How to Get Your Dog to Come Back Every Time
As a dog parent, have you ever found yourself calling your dog, only to be completely ignored while they chase after a squirrel or explore something far more interesting? You’re not alone!
The frustration, embarrassment, or even fear that comes with your dog not coming back when called is something almost every dog parent has experienced.
But the good news?
This doesn’t have to be your reality forever. With the right training, techniques, and a solid plan, you can build a reliable recall that works in any situation—even when distractions are everywhere.
In this blog post, I’ll share some key reasons why recall often fails and give you an actionable step you can use to start seeing improvement right away. And if you’re ready to dive deeper and make recall success your new normal, there’s a course designed just for you!
Why Does Recall Fail?
It’s important to understand that if your dog isn’t coming back when you call, it’s not because they’re stubborn or disobedient. There are many reasons why recall can fail, and often, it has nothing to do with your dog’s willingness to listen. Here are a few common factors:
Competing Motivators:
Your dog may be more interested in whatever’s happening around them—whether it’s a squirrel, another dog, or an exciting smell—than they are in coming back to you. The environment is rewarding them more than you are.Overuse of the Recall Cue:
Repeating the recall cue over and over without a response teaches your dog that it’s optional. The more you use it without success, the less your dog will respond.Fear or Anxiety:
If your dog associates recall with something they don’t enjoy (like the end of playtime or being called back angrily), they’ll avoid coming to you. Fear and anxiety can make recall harder, even if they normally enjoy training.Lack of Practice:
Many dog parent don’t practice recall enough in different environments. If your dog only practices at home, they won’t know how to respond when you call them in a busy park or a new place, or the recall goes from home to a busy park with no structured steps in between.
Understanding why recall fails is the first step to fixing it. And fixing it is crucial—not only for your peace of mind but for your dog’s safety.
How to Start Improving Your Dog’s Recall Today
One of the most important aspects of recall training is making sure your dog associates the recall cue with something positive and rewarding. Here’s an actionable tip to help you get started:
Action Step: Supercharge Your Rewards
When your dog comes back to you, make it the best thing that’s ever happened to them! Think about the value of the reward you’re offering. Is it a boring old treat they get all the time? Or is it something truly exciting, like their absolute favourite snack or a fun game with you?
Here’s what to try today:
Go somewhere with minimal distractions, like your garden or a quiet room.
Call your dog once, using their recall cue.
When they come to you, celebrate like they’ve just won the lottery! Use high-value rewards—something your dog can’t resist—and make coming back to you feel amazing. A fun game of tug, a jackpot of treats, or a few minutes of their favorite activity can work wonders.
Start here, and you’ll see a change in how your dog views recall. It’s the first step to building a reliable recall that will work even when there are distractions.
Ready to Make Reliable Recall a Reality?
If you’re ready to take your dog’s recall to the next level, I have something that can help you achieve that goal!
My Reliable Recall Course is designed to guide you through every step of recall training—from understanding why it fails to creating a recall that works in even the most distracting environments.
Here’s what you’ll get in the course:
Step-by-Step Training: Broken down into manageable modules, you’ll learn how to build focus, use motivators effectively, and make recall fun for your dog.
Games and Challenges: Keep training exciting with fun recall games that build your dog’s skills while keeping them engaged.
Real-World Application: Progress from your home to more challenging environments, ensuring your dog listens no matter where you are.
Self-Paced Learning: You can go at your own pace, applying the techniques as you go without needing constant hand-holding or supervision.
This course is perfect if:
You want to feel confident in your dog’s recall when off-lead.
You’ve struggled with distractions or competing motivators in the past.
You’re ready to take control of your dog’s training and create real results.
Join the Reliable Recall Course Today
Training your dog to come back every time you call is possible—it just takes the right approach and commitment. For just £45 you can join the Reliable Recall Course today and start building that rock-solid recall that gives you and your dog the freedom to explore and enjoy the world together.
Click here to learn more about the course.
