Teaching your dog to reliably “come when called” is one of the most vital skills they can master. This command, often referred to as a “recall,” ensures their safety and strengthens your bond. Dogs are naturally curious creatures, easily distracted by the world around them. Every time you ask your dog to come, you’re requesting they disengage from their current activity and return to you. Therefore, building a reliable recall means teaching them that being near you is the most rewarding and enjoyable experience they can have.
This article will guide you through effective strategies to teach your canine companion to respond enthusiastically every time you call them. Whether you’re working with a new puppy or an older dog, these techniques will help you establish a strong “come here” command. For more specific guidance on younger dogs, learn how to train a puppy to come on command.
Understanding Reliable Recall
“Reliable recall” signifies a high level of confidence—ideally 99.99% certainty—that your dog will respond eagerly to your “come here” cue. While dogs are not machines and perfection is unattainable, a consistent recall is a life-saving skill that every dog owner should strive for.
This command is particularly crucial if you plan to allow your dog off-leash in unfenced areas or dog parks. In an emergency, a strong recall can prevent your dog from running into danger, such as traffic, or getting lost. It provides a sense of security and freedom, allowing both you and your dog to enjoy outdoor adventures safely.
Alternatives to Off-Leash Play
If your dog’s recall isn’t yet reliable, or if you simply prefer not to take risks, there’s no harm in keeping them on a leash. Safety should always be the priority. Instead of off-leash play, consider taking your dog to securely fenced areas where they can run freely without the risk of wandering off.
Another excellent option is to use a long leash. These extended leashes, often ranging from 15 to 50 feet, allow your dog a greater range of exploration and movement while you maintain control. This can be a fantastic way to practice recall in a controlled yet expansive environment, offering a stepping stone towards potential off-leash privileges.
Brussels Griffon standing in the grass on leash.
Regardless of how strong your dog’s recall is, it’s imperative to respect all local leash laws. These regulations apply not only to public spaces but often to your front yard or any unfenced areas on your property. Many local, state, and national parks also have strict leash requirements to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of all visitors. Always check local guidelines before allowing your dog off-leash.
How to Train a Dog to Come Here: Step-by-Step Training
A fundamental aspect of teaching a “come here” command is to make the training enjoyable and engaging for your dog. Begin your recall training in a calm, low-distraction environment, such as inside your home or a quiet, fenced yard. This controlled setting minimizes external stimuli, allowing your dog to focus solely on you and the task at hand.
Start by showing your dog an enticing toy or a highly palatable treat. As they begin to move towards you, offer enthusiastic praise, such as “Good dog!” or “Yes!” Once they reach you, immediately reward them with the treat or allow them to play with the toy. Repeat this process several times. After a few successful repetitions, when your dog consistently looks at you and starts moving in your direction, introduce your chosen verbal cue, like “Come!” or “Here!” It’s crucial to add the cue only when you are confident your dog is already heading towards you, associating the word with the action.
Once your dog grasps the basic concept, you can gradually increase the difficulty. Try calling your dog before showing them the treat, relying more on the verbal cue. Always reward them with a high-value treat, such as small pieces of cooked chicken, cheese, or beef liver, when they arrive. You can also slowly increase the distance between you and your dog within your low-distraction environment. If you are struggling with other common obedience issues, you might find tips on how to get my dog to stop pulling helpful.
Engaging Recall Games to Practice the “Come Here” Command
Incorporating games into your training routine makes learning fun and reinforces the “come here” command in various scenarios.
- Catch Me: While walking your dog on a leash, get their attention, then turn and playfully run a few steps away. As your pup moves with you, enthusiastically say your recall cue, like “Come!” or “Here!” After a few steps, stop and reward them with a high-value treat or a favorite toy. Always ensure your dog is paying attention before you start running to avoid any sudden tugs on the leash.
- Find Me: Once your dog has a good grasp of the recall command in simple settings, you can build speed and excitement by calling them from another room. This hide-and-seek-like game is not only enjoyable for both of you but also helps your dog practice finding you based solely on your voice. When your dog successfully locates you, offer lavish praise and generous rewards.
- Hot Potato: Gather two or more family members or friends, each equipped with high-value treats. Stand a reasonable distance apart and take turns calling your dog between you. Each time your dog comes to the person who called them, they should receive a reward. This game teaches your dog to respond to different voices and in a more dynamic environment.
A common mistake in recall training is to consistently recall your dog, put their leash on, and immediately go home. Dogs are intelligent and will quickly learn to associate the “come here” command with the end of their fun, making them less likely to respond in the future. To avoid this, practice recalling your dog, praising them, giving a treat, and then immediately releasing them to return to their previous activity. This teaches them that coming to you doesn’t always mean the fun is over. If your dog has a habit of jumping, you can learn more about how to make a dog stop jumping in different situations.
Avoiding a “Poisoned Cue”
Have you found yourself repeatedly saying, “Come! Come! Come! Please come!” with your dog still ignoring you? If so, you might have inadvertently created a “poisoned cue.” This happens when your recall command either becomes unclear to your dog or develops a negative association, causing them to disregard it. The most common way to poison a cue is by overuse—repeating the word endlessly without your dog responding. This also applies to issues like how to stop a dog jumping on sofa or other behavioral commands.
Cocker Spaniel running in the yard.
If your “come here” cue has been poisoned, the most effective solution is to introduce a new verbal cue. For example, if you previously used “come,” you could switch to “here,” “with me,” or “close.” When introducing the new cue, go back to basics: start in a low-distraction environment and build the association from scratch, ensuring positive reinforcement every time. This fresh start helps your dog associate the new word with a positive, rewarding experience. This approach can also be applied when learning how to train my dog to stop jumping on people.
Essential Recall Training Tips for Success
To maximize your success in teaching your dog to come when called, keep these key tips in mind:
- Avoid Repeating Yourself: If you find yourself repeating your recall cue multiple times, it’s a sign that the environment is either too distracting, or your dog hasn’t yet mastered the skill at that level of difficulty. Scale back to a less challenging environment or simpler exercise.
- Reward Eye Contact: Whenever your dog voluntarily looks at you or chooses to be near you, verbally praise them and offer a treat. This might involve a lot of treats initially, but you are reinforcing the crucial lesson that being attentive to you brings wonderful rewards.
- Never Punish for Coming: Even if your dog took an agonizingly long time to respond, always praise them enthusiastically when they finally arrive. Punishing a dog for eventually coming to you will only teach them to avoid coming at all.
- Always Reward!: When training recalls, consistently use high-value treats and toys. This is especially important during the learning phase. You want your dog to associate coming to you with receiving something truly fantastic and exciting.
- Practice Daily: Incorporate short recall practice sessions into your daily routine. Gradually increase the difficulty by introducing more distractions and greater distances. Moving too quickly through these stages can confuse your dog and diminish the reliability of their recall.
- Don’t Chase in an Emergency: If your dog runs off in an emergency, resist the urge to chase them. This often turns it into a game for your dog, encouraging them to run further away. Instead, try running away from your dog while calling their name excitedly. This often taps into their natural instinct to chase you.
By consistently applying these principles, you will build a strong, reliable “come here” command, fostering a safer and more joyful relationship with your beloved canine companion.
