Ever shouted “COME HERE!” only for your dog to look at you like you just suggested taxes are fun? Yep, same here.
Teaching recall can feel like trying to train a cat to fetch. But don’t worry—you’re not alone, and your dog isn’t broken.
This guide is for every dog parent who’s tired of being ignored at the dog park. And no, you don’t need to yell, chase, or invest in a military-grade whistle to fix it.
Let’s talk real solutions, fast fixes, and keeping your sanity intact 🙂
Why Your Dog Ignores You (And It’s Not Personal… Usually)
Before we fix it, let’s get inside that fuzzy head. Dogs ignore recall commands for a few solid (and relatable) reasons:
- You’re boring. Sorry, but that squirrel? WAY more exciting than you.
- You trained inconsistently. Sometimes you say “come” and don’t reward. Other times, you say it, then yell. Confusing much?
- You punished them once. If you yelled or scolded after they finally returned, they remembered. Dogs aren’t dumb.
- Distractions overload. Off-leash time + other dogs + interesting smells = doggo brain melt.
Fixing recall starts with understanding why it’s broken. So don’t beat yourself up.
Step 1: Rebuild Trust With the Recall Word
Pick a Fresh Start Word
If “come” has been overused (or straight-up ignored), try a new recall cue like “here!”, “close!”, or something weird like “banana!” Yep, the weirder, the better.
Make It Delicious
Pair your new cue with high-value rewards:
- Bits of hot dog
- Chicken strips
- That stinky cheese your dog drools over
Important: Only say the cue when you’re sure they’ll respond. Don’t waste it.
Step 2: Train in a Distraction-Free Zone
Start recall in your living room, not a dog park.
How to Set the Scene:
- Leash your dog or use a long training line (15–30 feet).
- Have amazing treats ready.
- Crouch, smile, use your new cue.
- Reward like they just won the lottery.
Repeat until they’re sprinting to you like you’re made of steak.
Step 3: Make It a Game, Not a Test
Dogs thrive on fun, not pressure. Recall should feel like a party.
Try These Recall Games:
- Hide and Seek: Hide and call them. Reward when they find you.
- Ping-Pong Recall: Call between two people, reward each return.
- Chase Me (in reverse): Run away after calling. Most dogs can’t resist a chase.
Ever wondered why this works so well? Because it taps into your dog’s natural play drive.
Step 4: Stop Repeating Yourself
Saying “come” twenty times makes it background noise.
Instead:
- Say it once, then make yourself irresistible (run, clap, crouch, throw a treat).
- If they still don’t come? Go get them. Calmly. No scolding.
FYI: Repeating = training your dog to ignore you. Oops.
Step 5: Gradually Increase Difficulty
You nailed it at home. Great. Now let’s test your dog in harder situations without setting them up to fail.
Progression Plan:
- Inside with no distractions
- Backyard with a long line
- Quiet park
- Dog park (on long line)
- Off-leash with high-value rewards
Pro Tip: Reward bigger when the challenge increases. Think steak, not kibble.
Step 6: What If My Dog Doesn’t Care About Treats?
Some dogs are food snobs. Or just not into snacks.
Try These Instead:
- Tug toys or balls (if they’re toy-driven)
- Verbal praise + pets (for velcro dogs)
- Permission to go play again (works like magic)
IMO, recall training is all about finding what your dog values. If that’s a tennis ball over turkey jerky, so be it.
Step 7: Stop Calling When You Know They Won’t Come
This one’s a tough pill, but hear me out:
If your dog is clearly zoned out, chasing a bird, and ignoring everything else… don’t waste your recall cue. You’ll just teach them it means nothing.
Instead: Walk over calmly. Clip the leash. Reset later.
Step 8: Don’t Punish a Late Recall
I know it’s frustrating. Your dog finally comes back after chasing that jogger, and you’re fuming.
But if you yell or leash them up angrily? You just made recall scary.
Do This Instead:
- Take a breath.
- Praise calmly.
- Reward if you can. (Yes, even if it was delayed.)
Remember: You’re training for next time. Not punishing the past.
Step 9: Use a Long Line Until You’re 99% Confident
Think of it like training wheels. A long line gives you safety and control during the learning phase.
Why It Works:
- Prevents your dog from self-rewarding by running off
- Gives you time to react
- Builds confidence in both of you
And no, it’s not cheating. It’s smart.
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Recall (Don’t Be That Human)
Let’s rapid-fire the big ones:
- Repeating the command like a broken record
- Punishing after recall (aka scaring your dog away from you)
- Only calling to end the fun (leash time = lame time)
- Using boring rewards (dry biscuits don’t cut it in a park full of smells)
Fix these, and you’re halfway to hero status.
Final Thoughts: Train Like You Mean It (But Make It Fun)
Here’s the deal: Recall training isn’t magic. It’s consistency + motivation + fun. Your dog needs to believe that coming to you is the best decision ever.
Will there be setbacks? Totally. Will it test your patience? Yep. But will it be worth it when your dog comes running, tail wagging, every time? Absolutely.
So stop yelling. Start training smart. And remember: You’re not just teaching a cue. You’re building a relationship.
Now go grab some treats (or a ball, or whatever works), and give that recall cue a makeover. Your dog’s listening… eventually 😉