Recall Training: Teaching a 'Come' That Actually Works

The unbreakable rule

Never call your dog for anything they hate — baths, nail trims, ending fun. Each 'gotcha' recall withdraws trust from the account. If you must end the fun, go get them instead of calling.

Start ridiculous, pay well

Begin indoors at two meters with zero distractions. Say your word once, brightly, and pay with something spectacular — chicken, cheese, a favorite toy. Your dog should think 'come' is the best word in the language before it ever competes with a squirrel.

Games beat drills

Play ping-pong recalls between family members, hide-and-seek around the house, and 'catch me' where you run away as they come. Chasing you is a game; being chased teaches the opposite.

Proofing for real life

Add distance, then distractions, then new places — one variable at a time, on a long line for safety. Pay generously forever for brilliant recalls. A dog that returns from a running start away from another dog has earned the jackpot every single time.