A good recall is the thing most owners want and the thing most struggle with. Your dog comes back beautifully in the kitchen. In the park, with a spaniel and a squirrel in sight, they’ve never heard of you.

That isn’t stubbornness. It’s a dog making a sensible decision based on what’s on offer.

Why recall falls apart

Recall usually falls apart for one of these reasons:

• You haven’t adequately taught or conditioned a response to the recall command. The dog doesn’t really know it.
• You only call when the walk is over. If “come” means the lead goes on and the fun stops, your dog will work that out very quickly.
• You’ve been calling for weeks in situations you can’t control. Every time your dog ignores you and gets away with it, they learn that ignoring you is fine.
• Nothing you have is as good as what they’re chasing. A bit of dry biscuit doesn’t compete with a rabbit.
• You repeat the word. “Come. Come! COME!” teaches the dog that the first two don’t count.

Things to avoid

Don’t call your dog to you to tell them off, cut their nails or end their fun without giving them something great first. If the last few times your dog came back something unpleasant happened, they’ll stop coming.

Don’t call your dog when you know they won’t come. Go and get them instead, or use the long line. Each failed recall teaches them that it’s optional.

And don’t rely on off-lead time near roads until the recall is very solid. A reliable recall is built over months, not days.

How long does it take?

That depends on the dog, their age and how much practice they’ve had. Dogs who’ve been ignoring their owners for years can still improve. It takes longer and the practice needs to be structured, but it’s very achievable.

When it helps to have someone watch you

Recall is one of the most common things owners bring to us, and it’s usually not what they think. The dog is often fine. The problem is the timing, the reward, the way the word is used, or what the dog has already learnt from months of getting away with it. It’s hard to spot when you’re the one holding the lead.

In our one-to-one lessons, Paul watches how you and your dog work together and shows you what to change. Recall is part of the foundation programme, along with lead work and the other basics. Sessions are at our facility near Nantwich, and you’ll be given exercises to practise between lessons. If you’re weighing up who to go with, our guide to how to find the right dog trainer might help.

Want help with your own dog? Tell us about your dog and we’ll get back to you for a chat about it.

Related: One-to-One Dog Training  |  Book a Consultation