Effective Techniques for Teaching Recall Through Positive Reinforcement Training

Teaching your dog to come when called is one of the most valuable skills you can develop together. A reliable recall keeps your dog safe, strengthens your bond, and opens up more opportunities for off lead fun. Using positive reinforcement training makes this process enjoyable and effective for both you and your dog. This post will guide you through practical steps and tips to teach recall using positive methods that encourage your dog to come eagerly every time.

Puppy playing with tug-e-nuff toy

Why Positive Reinforcement Works Best for Recall

Recall training relies heavily on your dog’s motivation to come to you. Positive reinforcement means adding (positive) for your dog for coming when called (reinforcement), rather than punishing for not responding. This approach builds trust and makes your dog excited to return. Now the reinforcement does depend on what motivates your dog. So have fun teaching this, do they love movement from you, food, a game with you like a toy (we love tug-e-nuff toys for this!).

• Builds a strong bond: Your dog learns that coming to you leads to good things.

• Increases motivation: Rewards like treats, praise, or play encourage repeated behaviour.

• Reduces fear and stress: Your dog won’t associate recall with negative consequences.

• Creates a clear communication system: Your dog understands exactly what you want.

  
  

Dogs trained with positive reinforcement tend to show a more relaxed body posture, and happy body movements, as its associated with something they want rather than a negative consequence.

Preparing for Recall Training

Before you start, gather some essentials:

• High-value treats: Use small, tasty treats your dog loves but doesn’t get often.

• A quiet, distraction-free space: Begin indoors or in a garden.

• A consistent recall cue: Choose a word like “come,” “here,” or a whistle.

• A long line: This keeps your dog safe while allowing freedom to move.

  
  

Make sure your dog is in an environment they can learn easily, taking them to the local park surrounded by distractions is not a good starting point.

Step-by-Step Recall Training Process

1. No call recall

Begin by teaching your dog that if they look towards you great things happen, and the best part is you dont even need to add their name yet! This builds up a silent recall that your dog does all by themselves, we just add the cue later.

• On a walk at any time your dog turns to look back towards you, praise them up and give them a treat when they have come back to you.

• Repeat every time they look at you.

• You can even reward them with a game with a toy if you prefer.

  
  

2. Gradually Increase Distance and Distractions

Once your dog reliably comes from a short distance, slowly increase the distance. Practice in different rooms, then move outside to a quiet area.

• Use a long line to prevent your dog from running off.

• Add mild distractions like toys or other people at a distance.

• Always reward your dog for looking, even if it takes a little longer.

  
  

3. Use Play and Praise as Rewards

Not all rewards need to be treats. Some dogs respond better to play or affection.

• Toss a ball or tug toy after your dog comes.

• Give lots of praise, you can praise them as they are coming back to you.

• Mix up rewards to keep your dog interested.

  
  

  4. Add your Recall Cue

Now your dog is consistently looking back at you in different environment', you are going to add your recall cue. I use "come" but anything could work, "here" "with me" or even "bananas" if you wanted to!

• When your dog turns to look at you to do their silent recall, Say their name and your recall cue. For example, mine would be "Bertie Come".

• They have already learnt that looking back = a reward by you, so now we are adding in a cue to the behaviour we have taught. Their recall cue.

• Add your recall cue each time they look towards you on a walk now.

  
  

5. Practice Regularly and Keep Sessions Short

Frequent, short training sessions work best. Aim for 5 to 10 minutes a few times a day.

• End sessions on a positive note.

• Practice recall during daily walks and playtime.

• Use real-life situations to reinforce the behaviour.

  
  

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Dog cant recall

• Reduce distractions and try again.

• Reduce distance, you may be asking too far too quickly.

  
  

Dog runs away or avoids you

• Never chase your dog; it turns recall into a game of catch me.

• Use a happy voice and rewards to encourage approach.

• Try to avoid using your recall to always end something, eg. playing with other dogs, end of a walk, back on the lead. It can turn your recall negative. you can recall and release back to play.

  
  
  
  

Tips for Long-Term Success

• Always reward your dog for coming, even if it’s inconvenient.

• Avoid calling your dog for things they dislike, like ending playtime.

• Use a consistent recall cue.

• Gradually increase distractions and practice in different environments.

• Be patient and keep training positive.

  
  

Recall training is an ongoing process. Even well-trained dogs need regular practice to maintain their skills.

Safety Considerations

Using a long line during early recall training prevents your dog from running into danger. Never punish your dog for not coming, as this damages trust and motivation. If they have managed to run over to another dog and your recall is failing, go and get your dog, apologise and pop them back on a lead. You just know that it needs a little more work.

If you have a dog with a history of poor recall, our life skills class works to help you around real life situations. We hold these in the town park Monday evenings 7pm.

In this blog you will find links to tug-e-nuff toys. The links are an affiliate link, I will gain a small commission from you using these links and signing up and no extra cost to you. I only recommend equipment and products that I personally use myself, and brands that work alongside my ethics in dog training.