Training a dog to come when called, often called recall training, is essential for every pet owner. Whether you’re dealing with a high-drive herding breed like a Border Collie that won’t quit working sheep or a family dog chasing distractions in the yard, a reliable recall ensures safety and freedom. Many adolescent dogs ignore calls during exciting moments, leading to risks like overheating or running off. This guide outlines eight critical steps to build a rock-solid dog recall, drawing from real-world experience with working dogs and pets.
If your pup pulls hard on walks, improving my dog wont stop pulling on leash basics can support better off-leash control.
Prevention is Key: Avoid Early Mistakes
The foundation of how to train a dog to come when called starts with prevention. Don’t let your dog practice ignoring you—once they learn chasing deer or trash rewards more than responding, it’s harder to fix. For young sheepdogs, limit sessions in small areas to maintain control. With my Border Collie Pippy, adolescent independence led to ignored calls during walks. I reverted to basics: no off-leash freedom until reliable, using a long line, and adding competition.
Call all dogs at once, rewarding all but the last arriver with premium treats like chicken. Food-motivated Pippy quickly raced to win after a few sessions. Tailor prevention to your dog’s context—fenced yards for pets, controlled fields for working breeds. Only progress to higher distractions once Context A is mastered.
White longhaired dog running outdoors
Set Up for Success: Start Where You Can’t Fail
Teach recall in low-distraction environments with your dog nearby. Use the highest-value reinforcers—food, play, or chase—varying them so your dog anticipates joy, not specifics. Sloppy pats punish; opt for steak bits or tug games. Apply the Premack principle: reinforce low-probability behaviors (like stopping) with high-probability ones (like chasing).
For sheepdogs refusing to quit, block sheep access briefly, then release—stopping predicts more work. Generalize to pets: if chase-obsessed, throw a ball behind you as reward. Run away yourself early on; dogs love pursuing handlers. My DVD Lassie Come! demonstrates puppy foundations.
Gradually ramp difficulty: distance, distractions, dog’s pace—one factor at a time. Never call if failure looms, like a dog sprinting away amid squirrels.
Reinforce the Turn: Capture Attention Shifts
A full recall breaks into steps: stop, refocus, turn, approach, arrive. Reward the head turn immediately. If fixated on a chipmunk, mark “Good!” or click the instant eyes shift—pair verbal markers with primaries like food first.
This builds momentum; half the battle is breaking distraction locks.
Kooikerhondje dog outdoors in field
For pups struggling with focus amid temptations, see how to get your dog better at recall.
Master the Stop Cue: Halt on Command
Isolate stopping first. Choose a sharp cue like “Stop!” or “Whoa!”—short, audible over distance. Walk with dog beside/ahead, cue emphatically, reward any pause or glance. Repeat sparingly to avoid boredom, slowly increasing challenge.
If they blow it, redirect wildly or release with “Okay!” then regress. Herding dogs often use “Lie down”; equestrians, “Whoa.” Practice integrates into recalls seamlessly.
Struggling with unwanted jumps? Training to get dog to stop jumping on couch uses similar stop foundations.
Border Collie Tulip working attentively
Repeat and Reinforce Relentlessly
Never fade reinforcements entirely—chasing is innate, recall unnatural. Practice emergency recalls off-farm every third walk at 40+ yards; jackpot rewards rebuild reliability. Even stars need upkeep.
Stay Realistic: Account for Age and Breed
Adolescents regress; prevent for months if needed. Breeds vary—herders respond keenly, guardians less so. Border Collies thrive off-leash in cities; Great Pyrenees stay leashed. Genes influence, but training bridges gaps.
Anxious chewers may need parallel fixes like my dog is constantly chewing on his paws.
Leverage Resources: Books, DVDs, and Experts
Boost with proven tools: Leslie Nelson’s Really Reliable Recall DVD, Kickopup videos on distractions, Clarissa von Reinhardt’s Chase!. No need to solo it.
Sheepdog Maggie resting after work
Rescue dogs often need housebreaking alongside recall—try how to train a rescue dog to pee outside.
Engage the Community: Share Your Tips
What’s worked for your dogs? Breeds, contexts, failures? Village wisdom refines techniques.
On the farm, Maggie nailed a 500-yard outrun, gathering sheep flawlessly—pure breed joy. Recall training unlocks such trust.
Mastering how to train a dog to come when called demands patience, prevention, and positivity. Follow these steps sequentially, reinforce generously, and adapt to your dog’s drive. Your pup gains safe freedom; you gain peace. Start today in a quiet yard, progress gradually, and celebrate wins. For personalized guidance at Dog Care Story, share your story below or contact our trainers.
