7-Day Plan: Teach Your Dog to Come When Called
Most dogs ignore 'come' because the word has been used a lot without anything good following. We'll build a new one from scratch.
Why it happens
- The old cue may predict the end of fun: leaving the park, a bath, a scolding.
- The world is more interesting than we are unless we make coming back worth it.
- Recall gets practised far less than it gets used.
What you need
- Your dog's favourite treats (the really good ones)
- A new recall word, e.g. 'here' or a whistle
- A long line (5-10 m) for outdoor practice
The 7-day plan
One short session a day. Stop while your dog is still enjoying it.
1
Charge the new word · 3 min
- Say the new word, then immediately give a great treat. No movement needed.
- Repeat 10 times, a few times a day.
- Never use this word for anything unpleasant.
2
Short distances indoors · 5 min
- From a few steps away, say the word once and back up as your dog comes.
- Big reward and praise when they arrive.
- Touch the collar as you reward, so coming close always includes a gentle collar touch.
3
Round robin · 7 min
- Two people in different rooms take turns calling.
- Each person rewards on arrival.
- This turns recall into a game your dog loves.
4
Around distractions indoors · 7 min
- Call when your dog is mildly busy (sniffing a toy).
- Reward extra well.
- If they don't come, get closer and make it easier.
5
Yard or quiet park on a long line · 10 min
- Let your dog wander on the long line, then call.
- Run backwards to make it exciting.
- Reward, then let them go back to sniffing so coming back doesn't end the fun.
6
Increase distance · 10 min
- Call from further away, still on the long line.
- Mix in random 'check-ins': reward when your dog looks back at you without being called.
- Stop before your dog gets tired.
7
Real-life practice · 10 min
- Practise 5 recalls on a normal outing, each followed by release back to play.
- Keep the long line on in unfenced areas for now.
- Write down where it worked and where it didn't.
Troubleshooting
My dog comes, then runs off when I reach for them.
Practise collar touches with treats at home so reaching for the collar predicts good things.
It works at home but not at the park.
That's normal. The park is much harder. Go back to the long line and easier distractions.
Should I call again and again?
No. Call once, then make yourself interesting (move away, crouch). Repeating teaches your dog to ignore it.
When to get help
Don't let a dog off leash near roads until recall is truly reliable. A certified trainer can help you proof it safely.