How to teach your dog to come when called

Recall training, step by step

1. 1

   Choose a cue word

   Pick one word, like "come" or "here", and only use it when you're ready to reward. A whistle works well too.

2. 2

   Start up close, indoors

   Say the cue, back up a step or two, and reward your dog the moment they reach you.

3. 3

   Use the best treats

   Save your dog's favorite treats for recall, so coming to you is always worth it.

4. 4

   Add distance with a long line

   Outside, practice on a long line so your dog can roam but can't run off. Call them, and reward them for every return.

5. 5

   Never call them for something bad

   Don't call your dog to end fun or for something they dislike. Go and get them instead, so the cue keeps its good meaning.

6. 6

   Add distractions slowly

   Practice in busier places only once they come back reliably in quiet ones. Keep them on a leash or long line until they do.

Treat pouches

1. 

   1. Springer

   Silicone Dog Treat Dispenser

   A food-grade silicone treat holder: squeeze it to pop out one treat or a few pieces of kibble at a time, for training and walks.

   $12.00 at K9 Sport SackPrice checked 14 hours ago

   Buy at K9 Sport Sack
2. 

   2. Healthybud

   Silicone Training Treat Pouch

   A 3.5 in round silicone treat pouch for training and walks.

   $12.00 at HealthybudPrice checked 20 hours ago

   Buy at Healthybud

Training treats

1. 

   3. Nutrisource

   Nutrisource Little Bites Soft & Chewy Dog Treats

   Small, soft and chewy dog treats in chicken, rabbit, duck or salmon recipes.

   • 4 flavors
   • Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet

   $6.59 at Only Natural Pet · Chicken 6 ozPrice checked 18 hours ago

   Buy at Only Natural Pet
2. 

   4. Raw Paws Pet Food

   Grain-Free Training Treats for Dogs - Peanut Butter Recipe

   Grain-Free Training Treats for Dogs - Peanut Butter Recipe from Raw Paws Pet Food, in 6 oz.

   • Ships free from Raw Paws Pet Food

   $9.99 at Raw Paws Pet FoodPrice checked 23 hours ago

   Buy at Raw Paws Pet Food
3. 

   5. Gnarly Bites

   Amp'd Up Training Treats

   Small training treats made with real chicken and venison.

   $13.00 at Gnarly PetsPrice checked 10 hours ago

   Buy at Gnarly Pets
4. 

   6. PawCo

   Magic Bar Plant-Based Snack Bars

   Soft, chewy peanut butter snack bars with pumpkin and chicory root, easy to chew at any age.

   • 2 sizes
   • 6 flavors
   • Free shipping over $40 at PawCo

   $15.49 at PawCo · Original · 8-packPrice checked 22 hours ago

   Buy at PawCo
5. 

   7. Raw Paws Pet Food

   Grain-Free Soft Sausage Treats for Dogs & Cats - Beef Recipe

   Grain-Free Soft Sausage Treats for Dogs & Cats - Beef Recipe from Raw Paws Pet Food, in 6 oz.

   • Ships free from Raw Paws Pet Food

   $15.99 at Raw Paws Pet FoodPrice checked 23 hours ago

   Buy at Raw Paws Pet Food
6. 

   8. Raw Paws Pet Food

   Grain-Free Soft Sausage Treats for Dogs & Cats - Chicken Recipe

   Grain-Free Soft Sausage Treats for Dogs & Cats - Chicken Recipe from Raw Paws Pet Food, in 6 oz.

   • Ships free from Raw Paws Pet Food

   $15.99 at Raw Paws Pet FoodPrice checked 23 hours ago

   Buy at Raw Paws Pet Food

Fetch toys

1. 

   9. Healthybud

   Tennis Balls

   2.5 in dog tennis balls with a natural rubber core, in packs of 1, 3 or 6.

   • 3 sizes

   $3.00 at Healthybud · 1-PackPrice checked 20 hours ago

   Buy at Healthybud
2. 

   10. JW Pet

   JW iSqueak Ball 1pack | Variable Colors

   Choose from different sizes and elevate games of fetch and toss to the next level.

   • Sizes Small to Large

   $5.99 at Petmate · LargePrice checked 23 hours ago

   Buy at Petmate
3. 

   11. Scout & About

   Scout & About Toss & Float Toy

   A fetch toy made to throw easily and float, with reflective stripes for evening play.

   • Sizes S to L
   • 2 styles

   $6.75 at P.L.A.Y. · S / MochaPrice checked 16 hours ago

   Buy at P.L.A.Y.
4. 

   12. Chuckit!

   Chuckit! Erratic Ball Dog Toy

   Erratic Ball is a durable, geometrically-shaped rubber ball that bounces unpredictably to keep the game engaging and challenging for your dog.

   • Sizes Medium to Large

   $7.99 at Petmate · Green / MediumPrice checked 24 hours ago

   Buy at Petmate
5. 

   13. Chuckit!

   Chuckit! Max Glow Fetch Ball

   Max Glow Ball gives your dog something to jump for.

   • Sizes Small to Large

   $7.99 at Petmate · Glow White / SmallPrice checked 24 hours ago

   Buy at Petmate
6. 

   14. Coastal Pet

   Boomerang Fetch Toy, 10 in

   A 10 in soft boomerang for throwing and fetching.

   $8.99 at Doodle Doo BakeryPrice checked 14 hours ago

   Buy at Doodle Doo Bakery

Compare them side by side

Why a long line?

A long line, usually 15 to 30 feet, lets your dog practice coming back from a distance while you stay in control. Attach it to a harness, not a collar, and don't wrap it around your hand, to avoid rope burns.

Off-leash safety

Even a dog with great recall can be distracted by wildlife or traffic. Only go off leash where it's allowed and safe, and keep ID tags on your dog's collar.

Questions

How long does it take to teach recall?

Basic recall can come within weeks, but a reliable recall around distractions takes months of practice.

Why won't my dog come when called?

Often the cue has been used for things they don't like, or the distractions are too big. Go back to easier practice and better rewards.

How long should a recall long line be?

Many trainers use 15 to 30 feet. Start shorter if you're new to handling one.

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