I remember the first time my dog sprinted toward the water, tail high, ears back, pure joy. I called. He looked at me, thought about it, and kept going. It stung. Later I realized it was not his fault. It was mine. Recall is a safety net, yet it is also a skill. And like any skill, it can be built, or broken, by simple habits.
At Dogtown in Gloucester, MA, recall shows up in daycare yards, on quiet training floors, and at pick-ups after boarding. The pattern is always the same. Dogs come when it pays. They ignore when it does not. If you want a real-world recall, avoid these six traps.
Mistake 1: using recall to end the fun
If “come” means bath time, leash on, or game over, your dog learns to dodge you. It is very human to call only when you need to leave. I have done it too. But dogs keep score.
- Call your dog, pay well, then release back to the fun at least half the time.
- Mix in surprise rewards. A tossed toy. A chase game. A handful of great treats.
- Use a different cue for ending play, like “let’s go.” Keep “come” pure.
Make coming to you the best part of the game.
Mistake 2: forgetting the paycheck
Recall is a choice in a world full of squirrels. Choices need payoff. Guidance from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine points to rewards like treats or toys to strengthen the behavior. It sounds simple. It is simple. But many of us stop paying too soon.
- Use high-value food at first. Think soft and smelly. Then vary the prize.
- Keep a reward schedule. Early on, pay every time. Later, pay often and unpredictably.
- Celebrate. Voice and touch count too, if your dog likes them.
Mistake 3: repeating the cue
“Come. Come. Come!” After the fifth try, the word is noise. When we repeat the cue, dogs learn they do not have to move on the first call. It is nagging, and I still catch myself doing it when I am tired.
Try this instead:
- Say “come” once, in a happy tone.
- Make yourself worth running to. Crouch. Clap. Move away a step.
- If your dog stalls, use your long line to guide. Then pay big when they get to you.
Mistake 4: skipping steps and adding distractions too fast
We jump from living room to busy beach in a week and wonder why it falls apart. Dogs need a clear ladder. Quiet rooms first. Then yard. Then park on a long line. Then park without the long line. It takes time.
- Change one thing at a time. New place or new distance or more distractions.
- Use a long line for safety while you test harder scenes.
- Keep sessions short. Five wins are better than one long fail.
In Gloucester, the small-group setup in the dog daycare groups at Dogtown gives an easy middle step. Real dogs, real sounds, yet supervised and sized to your dog’s comfort.
Mistake 5: scolding the dog when they arrive
Your dog bolts. You worry. When they finally come back, words spill out. I get it. Still, if coming to you predicts a lecture, you will see more flight next time. Advice from Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine is clear about patience and positive reinforcement. Dogs need time, and they learn fastest when the outcome feels safe and good.
- No matter how long it took, pay the return. Then rethink the setup next time.
- Use management. A fence, long line, or quieter area beats a risky gamble.
Mistake 6: muddy cues and body language
Sometimes the words are fine, but the picture is wrong. We stand tall and step toward the dog, which can feel like pressure. Or we use the dog’s name as the recall cue, and the name loses meaning from overuse.
- Pick one cue, like “come.” The name is just to get attention.
- Crouch a bit. Turn sideways. Smile. Make your body an invitation, not a wall.
- Keep family rules aligned. Same word. Same reward style. Same expectations.
How to build a recall that sticks
Here is a simple plan I like. It is not fancy. It works.
- Start in a quiet room. Say “come,” back up two steps, pay. Ten reps.
- Move to the yard on a long line. Ten clean reps, pay every time.
- Add a small distraction. A toy on the ground. Call once. Help if needed. Pay.
- Practice in new places. Keep your win rate high. If it dips, make it easier.
- Keep paying often, even when your dog is “trained.”
If you want coaching, the personalized training programs at Dogtown tailor recall to your dog’s history and temperament. Many dogs also benefit from the structured day camp rhythm, where handlers build focus amid safe play. Even practical things help. A tidy coat and trimmed nails from full-service grooming can make long-line sessions smoother. And if you are traveling, you can keep training details consistent during stays with overnight boarding options.
Final thought
Recall is not magic. It is a pattern your dog learns, step by step, and sometimes in messy steps. Keep the cue clean. Pay well. Set up wins. If you want hands-on help, or just a friendly place that cares about your pet’s joy, schedule a free pre-enrollment assessment at Dogtown and see how our team can support your recall goals.
Frequently asked questions
What is a recall command for dogs?
A recall is the cue you use to ask your dog to come to you. Common words are “come” or “here.” The goal is quick, happy movement to your side, even with distractions around.
How to teach a reliable recall?
Start in a quiet place. Say the cue once, move away a step, and reward when your dog arrives. Use great treats or a favorite toy, as suggested by the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, and practice in short sessions. Gradually add distance, new places, and controlled distractions while using a long line for safety. Keep paying often, even after your dog seems steady.
What are common recall training mistakes?
Top mistakes include calling only to end fun, not rewarding enough, repeating the cue, jumping into heavy distractions too fast, scolding when the dog arrives, and using mixed signals or inconsistent cues. Patience and clear rewards help avoid these traps, a point echoed by guidance from Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.
How long does recall training take?
It varies. Many dogs show progress in a week or two of daily practice. Reliable recall in busy places can take a month or more. Consistency, short upbeat sessions, and smart use of management tools speed things up.
Why does my dog ignore recall commands?
Usually the environment is more rewarding than you are, or the cue has been “poisoned” by ending fun or scolding. Sometimes the steps were rushed. Go back a level, increase rewards, and practice on a long line. Keep the cue positive, and make coming to you pay every time at first.
