9 Rules For A Perfect Recall

How embarrassed do you feel standing screaming at your dog to come back? Walkers look at you with disdain, dog owners smile smugly as they parade past with their dogs looking adoring up at them and you just wish the ground would open up and swallow you...
You dog's oblivious to your screeches of course – he's having a great time chasing rabbits, playing with other dogs, or following that interesting scent over the horizon.
Recall is simple to teach but not necessarily easy.
Start by teaching the basics at home then take it out and about, very gradually proofing it against the myriad of distractions out there.
Patience and practice – lots of practice – using the rules below will get you the recall you want. And your dog can have more freedom.

1 When your dog comes back to you - no matter what he's been doing or how long it took, make sure he knows it’s the best thing he’s ever done. (You may need to count to 10!) The day you tell him off for coming back is the day your recall will start to crumble.

2 Always reward every recall – using high value food, a favourite toy, a tug game, allow him to go sniff, huge fuss, enthusiasm.


3 Only call your dog when you have at least a 90% chance of him coming. Otherwise you are teaching him to ignore you. Close the distance and wait for the right moment.

4 Call in an exciting voice. Your voice isn’t exciting? Then why should your pooch come?


5 Start indoors, then increase difficulty in small increments - different room, corridor, garden, enclosed area. Each time you move to a new place, go back to a very short distance recall.

6 When each stage is perfect, start adding distractions. This stage is vital, takes the longest - and requires LOTS of work.


7 Nine times out of ten, call your dog, reward him - then LET HIM GO again.



8 When you’re approaching a known run-off place, get your dog’s attention beforehand and engage him in an exciting game until you’ve passed the danger zone.

9 Do lots of mini-recalls everywhere - whenever you notice your dog checking in with you, take the opportunity to reinforce his coming to you and responding to his name.

KEY POINT: You and your dog should be having FUN!

If it's fun, your dog will want to come back when you call. Your job is to find what's fun for both of you – then recall's easy! And a bonus number 10. If you're struggling, get our help.
Choose from a range of training options: our in-person signature Perfect Pet course which is held in several venues around North Down and Ards; a 1-2-1 training Personal Pet Package; or our online Consultation Call option.
An on-line course is coming soon, too.