Dog Recall Training (That Actually Works)

You're at the park. Your dog is having the time of their life. Then you call them. Nothing. Your dog has discovered the muddiest puddle known to mankind and you no longer exist. You've arrived at panic station alpha.

Here's the truth: recall isn't about having a "good dog." It's about clear communication, the right tools, and consistent habits. This guide gives you the actual process.

Why Is Recall The Most Challenging Of The "Core Commands" To Master

1. Most dogs know recall means playtime ends. You need to convince them otherwise.
2. You need it most when your dog is least likely to listen. A sighthound with tunnel vision. A scent hound locked onto week-old gorgonzola.
3. It combines behaviourism and training. Your dog needs to know when to listen AND decide that returning is worth it.
4. It takes massive repetition. If there are 50 places you might do recall and your dog has a 50% return rate, this could take 50-100 walks.
5. People stop practising too early. A couple successful recalls at home doesn't mean your dog will listen forever.

Why Is Recall Important?

Controversial opinion: recall is the most important core command. It's the only command that happens in high stakes situations. If your dog doesn't come when called near a road or wildlife? That's dangerous.

Bomb-proof recall gives you confidence that your dog will come back. It prevents problems—chasing wildlife, running toward distractions, ignoring instructions.

It's About Progress, Not Perfection

Recall training is mentally intensive. For puppies, only do 2-4 proper recalls per training session. For adult dogs, decide how big you want your dog's world to be and always use a long line to practise.

Create Your "Recall Checklist"

1. Short Line: 50cm-1 metre rope with a clip
2. Long Line: The longest rope you can find (or horse lunge line for strong dogs)
3. Top shelf treats: Cheese, chicken, extra special schmackos AND regular kibble
4. Items your dog likes: Ball, squeaky toy, anything that makes them stop and think
5. Pre-requisite: Master calm walking first. If your dog can't walk calmly beside you, this is too advanced.

Step 1 Make The Plan, Step 2 Do The Plan

You need two different commands:

• Recall command ("Come here [Dog's Name]") = come directly to me
• Direction command ("this way") = we're going this direction

Big things most owners don't know:

• Start at 5 metres. Progress to 10m, 12m, 15m only when consistent
• Practise at home using your recall command
• Recall shouldn't always mean the end. Take your dog under the collar, reward, then let go

Top Tip: Recall training is all about QUALITY. Get 3-4 high quality attempts and you're done.

The Process

1. Attach the long line. Leave the other end on the floor (or stand on it if your dog bolts).
2. Make sure your dog knows you have treats and toys.
3. Let your dog burn off initial energy.
4. Use your recall command and be energetic. High pitched voice, step BACK AWAY from your dog.
5. If they come FIRST TIME: Top level rewards. Food, cuddles, everything. Take them under the collar for 4-5 seconds, then release.
6. If they don't come immediately: Call again, give a small tug on the line. Pat on the head but minimal rewards. Take under collar for 4-5 seconds, then release.
7. If they ignore you: Pick up the line and walk them in. Do some structured calm walking at normal lead length.

Struggling with timing rewards correctly? Our community has a complete video walkthrough where I demonstrate this process with real dogs, plus live Q&A sessions for personalised troubleshooting.

Using Rewards The Right Way

Create a 10-item lottery of food, affection, and toys. Vary in value. Hand out randomly. After every recall, take your dog under the collar, hold for a couple of seconds, then release.

Common error: Always making recall mean "the end." Use recall during your walk, reward, then release them to keep playing.

Once You Have Mastered The Basics

Stay at the basics longer than you think you need to. When you think your dog has it nailed, practise for another week. Recall is all about repetition.

Progression 1: Reduce the line length. Many dogs act differently just because a line is attached. Start at 30m, reduce to 25m, 20m, 18m. Some people leave a 1m line on permanently—as long as it touches the ground, many dogs assume you're holding it.

Progression 2: New environments. Control the environment when it's new. You might use a 1m line at your local park, but use a 20m line at a new beach. Start with low distractions, progress to medium, then high. Always increase line length when environment difficulty increases.

Struggling with new environments? The community has troubleshooting sessions to help you adapt techniques for your dog's personality and your actual walking locations.

Final Comments

Use high-value rewards—cooked chicken or cheese. Randomise between treats, praise, and cuddles. Every time your dog comes back, calmly take them under the collar and then release.

Use a long line. It gives your dog freedom whilst keeping you in control.

Get Ongoing Support For Your Recall Training Journey

Recall training doesn't get solved in one session. Having support as you work through setbacks makes all the difference.

Inside our free Skool community, you'll get:

• Complete video walkthrough demonstrating every technique with real dogs
• Weekly live Q&A sessions for YOUR specific recall challenges
• Supportive community of owners working through the same issues
• Troubleshooting help when your dog isn't responding as expected
• Progressive training plans from basics to advanced reliability

Best part? It's completely free. No subscription. No catch.

Sydney-based? We offer in-person training sessions. Ask about availability in the community.

About The Toe Beans Co

We're a dog training company based in Sydney, Australia with clients worldwide. We use pain-free, aggression-free, punishment-free methods to help develop great behaviours in dogs.

Our Mission:

1. Ensure you always have someone you trust for help with your pet
2. Raise as much money for Teenage Cancer Research as we can