Behavior Management by Team Vekaan: Your Expert Guide to Canine Health, Behavior, and Care.

Summary: A reliable recall is not just a trick; it is a safety requirement. This guide explains why dogs ignore you and provides a 3-step game to build a recall that works even around distractions.

If your dog slipped their collar and ran toward a busy street today, would they stop and turn around the instant you called their name?

For many owners, the answer is a terrifying “no.” As experienced dog boarders, we see recall fail for one primary reason: The owner has accidentally poisoned the cue. You have inadvertently taught your dog that coming to you ends the fun.

Here is how to fix your recall and turn it into a reflexive, joyous response.

1. The Golden Rule: Never Call for Punishment

This is the most common mistake. If you call your dog (“Fido, Come!”), and when they arrive, you scold them, put them in the bath, or clip the leash on to leave the park, you are punishing the recall.

• The Dog’s Perspective: “Why should I go to them? Last time I did, the fun stopped.”
• The Fix: 9 out of 10 times you call your dog, it must be for something amazing—a treat, a toy, or a cuddle—and then you let them go back to playing.

2. The “Name Game” (Foundation)

Before you can train “Come,” your dog needs to love hearing their name.

1. Say Name: Say your dog’s name in a happy voice.
2. Mark & Pay: The instant they look at you, say “Yes!” and throw a high-value treat near them.
3. Repeat: Do this 20 times a day inside the house. You are building a reflex: Name = Good Things Happen.

3. The Chase Me Game (Building Drive)

Dogs love to chase. Use this natural instinct to power your recall.

1. Run Away: Instead of standing still and shouting, say your recall word (“Here!” or “Come!”) and run away from your dog.
2. Engage Chase: Your movement triggers their chase instinct. They will naturally run after you.
3. The Party: When they catch you, celebrate! Offer treats, tug toys, and praise.

• Why it works: You are making yourself the most exciting thing in the environment.

4. The “Emergency” Recall Word

We recommend having a specific, separate word that you only use in genuine emergencies (e.g., “Thunder!” or “Cookies!”).

• The Rules:

1. You never use this word unless you have the highest value reward possible (steak, cheese, fresh chicken).
2. You practice it once a week, give the jackpot reward, and that’s it.

• Result: When you scream this word in a real emergency, the dog’s brain overrides distraction because that specific sound has a 100% history of yielding a jackpot.

5. Troubleshooting: What If They Don’t Come?

If you call and your dog ignores you:

1. Do NOT repeat the command. Repeating it (“Come… Come! COME!”) teaches the dog they can ignore the first two requests.
2. Do NOT chase them. Chasing turns the escape into a game.
3. Action: Go get them calmly, or make a weird noise/fall down to trigger their curiosity so they investigate you. Then, go back to training on a long line (leash) until they are reliable.

A solid recall takes months of consistent positive reinforcement. Start small, make it a game, and never be the person who ends the party!