How to Build a Rock-Solid Recall
- Deb from Busy Pawz
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
Reliable recall doesn’t come from shouting louder or repeating yourself over and over. And it’s definitely not built in a single training session. It’s something we create through daily habits, consistent practice, and a whole lot of positive reinforcement.
Because shouting “COME!” louder and louder doesn’t build trust - it just adds to the stress bucket. If you want your dog to choose you over the rest of the world, you need to make sure that coming back to you always feels like a good decision.
Practise Like It Matters (Because It Does)
For me, recall is just a normal part of our daily rhythm. I practise it with my dogs every single day, multiple times a day. I call them from another room. I call them from down the paddock. I call them when they’re just pottering about. And every single time, they get a reward.
That repetition builds a neural pathway in the brain - what I like to call a recall tunnel. It becomes automatic. So when there is a distraction - like a snake, or a spooked horse, or a kangaroo bounding past - my dogs don’t need to think. They’ve already made the decision. They’re on their way back to me before their brain even fully processes what’s going on.
It becomes a habit loop. The more you practise and reward it, the more ingrained it gets until responding to their recall cue feels like second nature. Your dog hears their name → they associate it with a consistent outcome (good stuff happens) → they respond.
Why Consistency Matters
One of the biggest mistakes I see is people only practising recall when they need it - usually in a high-stakes moment when their dog is already distracted or in full flight mode.
That’s a tough ask for any dog. If they haven’t had regular practice in low-pressure situations, they’re not going to be able to perform when it really matters.
I used to be able to read and understand Afrikaans pretty well, but since moving to Australia and not hearing it regularly, I’ve lost a lot of fluency. I can still stumble my way through, but it doesn’t come naturally anymore. The same thing happens with our dogs. If we don’t use it, they lose it.
Recall Can Be Very Relationship-Dependent
In my house, I’m the one who practises recall the most, and not surprisingly, I’m the one who gets the fastest response. That’s not about authority or dominance. It’s about value and consistency.
When other family members call the dogs, the response isn’t always as quick. And that’s okay. It just means they haven’t built the same recall tunnel. It’s a great reminder that recall isn’t just about cues - it’s also about connection and trust.
Common Recall Mistakes
These are a few of the things that can weaken or even break a recall cue over time:
❌ Only calling when something bad is about to happen If the only time your dog hears “COME!” is when the fun ends, the lead goes on, or they’re in trouble—they’ll start avoiding you.
❌ Calling too often without a reward Overuse without payoff turns the cue into background noise. Keep it valuable.
❌ Punishing after they return Even if your dog took their sweet time coming back, never punish them for returning. Scolding breaks the trust—and makes them less likely to come next time.
Make Coming Back a No-Brainer
If you want your dog to recall reliably, your response needs to be predictable -in the best way. That means treats, praise, or a quick game, every single time.
I often recommend calling your dog, rewarding them, and immediately letting them go again. It keeps the vibe light and teaches them that coming back doesn’t always mean the fun ends. It’s just part of the routine.
Games like orientation, middle and food chases are great ways to build strong recall skills without the pressure. Every positive rep strengthens that tunnel... and the trust.
Final Thoughts
When your dog hears their name or recall word, it should light up their brain in the best possible way. It should mean: I’m safe. Something good is coming. This is a no-brainer.
And that’s not something that happens overnight. It’s something we build. One call, one treat, one win at a time.
Thanks for reading!
And as always, throw your dog a treat from us!
Deb & the Busy Pawz Crew xo
P.S. If your dog’s recall isn’t as strong as you’d like—or it’s been broken and needs a reset—I’m here to help. We can rebuild it together, using games and strategies that feel doable, kind, and effective.
Comments