If you’ve ever called your dog and watched them pause—then run in the opposite direction—you know how frustrating (and scary) unreliable recall can be. Teaching your dog to come when called isn’t just about convenience; it’s about safety, trust, and giving your dog more freedom.
According to Ashley Clark, professional dog trainer and owner of You and Your Dog Training & Services in New Boston, NH, recall is one of the most important skills a dog can learn—and one of the easiest for owners to unintentionally undermine.
“Recall isn’t just a command—it’s a promise between you and your dog,” says Ashley, who has spent over 15 years helping dog owners build that bond. “The problem is, most people don’t realize how often they’re breaking that promise.”
The Hidden Reason Dogs Ignore Recall
Many dog owners assume their dog is being stubborn or disobedient when they don’t respond to a recall cue. But Ashley explains that the real issue is usually much simpler: dogs learn through association, and we often teach them—without meaning to—that coming when called leads to something negative.
“Think about when people usually call their dogs,” she says. “It’s often to bring them inside when they’re having fun, to leash them up, or to end playtime. Over time, the dog starts to associate that word—usually ‘come’—with the end of freedom.”
This creates what Ashley calls the “moment of choice.” When a dog hears their recall cue, they’re deciding between running back to you—or continuing to chase the squirrel, explore a scent, or play in the yard. If the recall word has been linked to punishment or disappointment, the choice is easy—for the dog, at least.
“No one, human or dog, wants to run back to a punishment,” Ashley points out. “It’s not that your dog doesn’t understand you—it’s that they’ve learned what happens when they listen.”
Resetting Recall: Start with a New Word
Fortunately, Ashley says the solution is straightforward. She recommends introducing a completely new recall word—one that hasn’t been overused or tainted by past experiences.
“Pick something short, fun, and unique. It could be anything from ‘here’ to something silly like ‘bubblegum.’ The key is that it’s fresh and positive,” she advises.
Once you’ve chosen your word, the next step is teaching your dog what it means—and that it’s worth responding to every single time.
Create Positive Associations Every Time
Ashley emphasizes the importance of pairing your recall word with high-value rewards. This isn’t the time for everyday kibble—think special treats like cheese, chicken, or anything your dog absolutely loves.
“When your dog hears that word, they should think it’s a party,” she says. “You’re building a bank of positive experiences so that when it really matters—like in an emergency—they won’t hesitate.”
She recommends keeping training sessions short, just a minute or two, and practicing a few times a day. Consistency, not duration, is what counts.
Protect Your Recall: The 30-Second Rule
One of Ashley’s core principles is simple: don’t lie to your dog. If you call them and immediately end their fun, you weaken the trust you’ve built.
“To keep your recall strong, give your dog 30 seconds of something they enjoy after they come to you—even if you need to bring them inside afterward,” she explains. “That way, responding to you always feels like a win.”
Ashley also suggests using casual words like “inside” for everyday situations, so you’re not overusing your special recall word.
How Long Does It Take?
While every dog is different. Ashley says handlers who practice consistently can see real progress within weeks. However, she cautions that younger dogs, especially those under two, require extra patience due to their developmental stages.
“There’s a lot happening in a young dog’s brain,” she explains. “One day they’re focused, the next they’re chasing butterflies. That’s normal. The key is to keep reinforcing the behavior, even when they’re distracted.”
She also recommends practicing in a variety of settings to help dogs generalize the behavior beyond the living room or backyard.
Beyond the Basics: Continued Training and Support
For dog handlers looking to take their recall training further, Ashley offers a four-week Reliable Recall workshop series throughout the summer, designed to build on foundational skills and tackle real-world distractions.
“Teaching recall isn’t just about getting your dog to run back to you,” she says. “It’s about understanding why they choose to—and making sure that choice is always in your favor.”
In the end, Ashley believes that a reliable recall is less about strict obedience and more about relationship-building.
“Recall is a reflection of trust,” she says. “When your dog believes that coming to you leads to good things, they won’t think twice. That’s when you know you’ve done it right.”
If you’re ready to give your dog the freedom they deserve—while keeping them safe—start by choosing your new recall word today. A few minutes of intentional practice could make all the difference when it matters most.
Golden Dog Club members, access the full video presentation in the Online Library.
