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You know… that magical moment when you call your dog and they actually stop what they’re doing and sprint back to you like a slow-motion movie scene? Yeah, that doesn’t just happen by chance.

Recall is one of the most important commands you’ll ever teach your dog. And chances are, you’ve already given it a go. But somewhere along the way, that adorable puppy who never left your side has turned into an independent explorer who barely glances back before trotting off into the sunset.

Or worse — you’ve found yourself caught in a 30-minute game of catch me if you can, running around like a maniac, only to admit defeat and keep them on-lead ever since.

All is not lost, here’s a few tips on teaching recall that you might have missed:

1. Start at home — Practice calling your dog from one room to another with a cheerful voice. Reward like you just won the lottery (treats, praise, fuss… whatever makes them wag).
2. Use a special word — Keep “come” for the important stuff. Don’t use it unless you’re ready to reward and set your dog up for success. No calling then telling them off for ignoring you before!
3. Make yourself fun — If your dog thinks chasing a squirrel is more exciting than you… well, they’re not wrong. So make yourself worth running to! Use toys, happy voice, even run away from them a bit to spark interest.
4. Never call them for something rubbish — If “come” = end of playtime, bath, or going home from the park, your dog will start screening your calls like a teenager.
5. Practice with a long line — Great for parks or open spaces where you want to train safely without losing your dog to a pigeon pursuit.

Bonus tip: Don’t just call their name. You’ll likely just get a blank stare from across the park — a bit like when your kids yell “What?!” from their bedroom and don’t budge until you say exactly what you want. If it doesn’t work on them, it won’t work on your dog! Their name gets their attention, but it’s the command that tells them what to do — so don’t forget to use it.

But that’s just the beginning…

There’s one simple trick involving their collar or harness that can make recall click — and once you know it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

🐾 Want the full scoop? I share this exclusive tip (and more tailored training help) with clients during our walks or lessons. So if you are in the chelmsford area and need a hand getting your dog to come back like a boomerang, I’ve got you.

Book a walk or get in touch with the link below – let’s get your recall working in real life, not just in theory.