7 Dog Recall Training Tips to Turn ‘Come Here’ Into a Sure Thing
The dream: you call your dog, and they come sprinting back to you like you’re the most interesting thing in the world.
Reality? You shout “COME!” only to watch them sniff that patch of grass like it contains the secrets of the universe.
Training your dog to have solid recall (aka actually listening when you call them) is one of the most important things you can do as a pet parent. Here are 7 tips to help your dog master recall like a pro.
1. Start Small: Master Recall Indoors First

Let’s be real—expecting your dog to listen at the park with a million distractions is like asking a toddler to sit still at a candy store. Start recall training in a distraction-free space like your living room or backyard.
How to do it:
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- Use a short distance at first (literally just a few steps away).
- Reward them immediately when they come to you.
Why it works: It sets your dog up for success. Once they consistently come indoors, you can slowly level up to trickier situations.
2. Make It Worth Their While

Let’s face it—your dog isn’t coming back to you for free. If they know you’re just going to slap on a leash and call it a day, why bother? The secret? Rewards that make coming to you the highlight of their day.
What to use:
- High-value treats (think cheese, chicken, or whatever makes their tail wag the hardest).
- A favorite toy if they’re more into play than snacks.
- ALL the praise—think over-the-top, “you’re the best dog in the world” energy.
Pro Tip: Mix it up! Keep rewards unpredictable so they’re always excited to see what’s in store.
3. Use a “Special” Recall Cue

Instead of just shouting “come” like it’s a random word, create a special recall cue your dog knows means business. It could be a whistle, a unique phrase (“here, pup-pup!”), or even clapping your hands.
Why it’s awesome:
- It stands out from all the other words you shout during the day.
- It becomes their “Oh, this is important!” signal.
Pro Tip: Be consistent—don’t use this cue for anything except recall.
4. Practice With a Long Leash (But Not Forever)

A long training leash (20-30 feet) is your best friend when teaching recall outdoors. It gives your dog freedom to roam while still keeping them under control.
How to use it:
- Let your dog explore at the end of the leash.
- Call them using your recall cue.
- Gently guide them toward you if they hesitate, then reward like crazy when they arrive.
Important: Don’t rely on the leash forever. The goal is to transition to off-leash recall, so gradually reduce your dependence on it.
5. Don’t Punish Them for Coming Back

This is a biggie, and it’s where a lot of people mess up. If your dog comes back to you, even after ignoring you for five minutes, don’t punish them.
Why?
- Punishment confuses them and makes them less likely to come next time.
- They need to associate coming back with good things, even if they took their sweet time.
What to do instead: Give them a reward and save the frustration for later. Vent to your friends, not your dog.
6. Practice, Practice, Practice—But Keep It Fun
Training isn’t a one-and-done deal. You need to practice recall regularly, but if it feels like a chore (for you or your dog), you’re doing it wrong.
How to make it fun:
- Turn it into a game! Play hide-and-seek by calling them from another room.
- Add recall into daily activities, like calling them before meals or during playtime.
- Keep sessions short—5-10 minutes is plenty to avoid boredom.
Pro Tip: Mix in training during walks or at the park to build recall in real-world scenarios.
7. Gradually Add Distractions

Once your dog nails recall in a quiet environment, it’s time to level up. Slowly introduce distractions like other people, dogs, or toys to make the training more realistic.
How to do it:
- Start with low-level distractions (e.g., in your backyard with some toys around).
- Gradually work up to harder scenarios, like a park or hiking trail.
- Always reward them BIG when they come back, especially in a distracting environment.
Pro Tip: If they’re struggling, go back a step and reduce the distractions until they’re successful again.

Bonus: Use Their Name Wisely
Your dog’s name is like their personal ringtone. If you use it for everything (“Rover, stop chewing that!”), it starts to lose its power. Save their name for positive interactions or as part of their recall cue.
Final Thoughts: Practice Makes Perfect
Teaching recall takes time, patience, and about a million treats, but it’s so worth it. A reliable recall can save your dog’s life and make off-leash adventures stress-free (for both of you).
Remember: celebrate the wins, keep it fun, and never stop practicing. One day, your dog might just drop everything to come running back to you—and trust me, that moment feels like winning the lottery. 🐾

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉