( Recall) Why Your Dog Refuses to Come When Called – And How to Fix It

Getting your dog to come when called isn’t just convenient—it’s essential. It can mean the difference between a fun day at the park and a lost dog, or even an emergency. So why does your dog sometimes ignore you like you don’t exist? And what can you do to fix it?

Let’s break down the reasons, and more importantly, the solutions for the recall.

The Real Reasons Your Dog Doesn’t Come When Called

1. They Don’t Understand “Come” Means Come—Every Time

Most owners think their dog “knows” the command, but in reality, many dogs are only halfway trained. Maybe they respond to “come” in the living room, but not at the park. That’s not true understanding—it’s context-based behaviour.

Fix it:

Re-train the recall command in a variety of environments. Start in your house, then your backyard, then a quiet park, and so on. Use a long leash if needed. Build up distractions slowly. Dogs need repetition and clarity.

2. You’ve Made “Come” a Negative Word

Think about it. Do you only call your dog when you’re about to clip their nails, give them a bath, or end their fun at the park? If so, they’ve learned “come” = something bad happens.

Fix it:

Flip the script. Call your dog for fun stuff—treats, play, belly rubs. Mix it up. Sometimes call them and then let them go back to what they were doing. That teaches them that coming doesn’t always mean the end of fun.

3. You’re Competing With a Better Offer

Let’s be honest: you’re probably not as exciting as a squirrel or another dog. If you’re calling your pup while they’re chasing a bird or sniffing something awesome, you need to be more rewarding than what they’re giving up.

Fix it:

Bring high-value treats. Not kibble—think chicken, cheese, liver. Use an enthusiastic tone. Act like a party just started. Get low to the ground, clap your hands, and praise them like crazy when they come. You have to make yourself more appealing than their current distraction.

4. You Haven’t Practiced Enough

Most dogs need hundreds of successful repetitions before a command sticks, especially a crucial one like recall. A few “good boys” at puppy school isn’t enough.

Fix it:

Practice daily. Aim for short but frequent sessions—five minutes a few times a day is better than one long one. Use games like hide and seek, recall races with family members, or calling them between two people. Make it fun. Make it frequent.

5. You’re Repeating Yourself

“Come… come… come here! Come on! Come HERE!!” Sound familiar? Dogs tune that out fast. Repeating the command teaches them that the first (or second… or fifth) time isn’t important.

Fix it:

Say it once. If they don’t respond, help them succeed—go closer, guide them with a leash, make noise to get their attention. Reward like crazy when they do come. Eventually, they’ll learn that one call means business.

6. You’re Not Reinforcing It Every Time

You can’t expect a strong recall if you only reward it occasionally. Dogs thrive on consistent feedback, especially early in training.

Fix it:

Every time your dog comes when called, reward them. Praise, treat, or play. Over time, you can phase out food rewards, but make sure they always associate “come” with something positive.

How to Build a Rock-Solid Recall from Scratch

If your dog’s recall is totally unreliable, or if you’re starting with a puppy, follow this structure:

Step 1: Choose a New Word (Optional)

If “come” is already poisoned (i.e., your dog ignores it), pick a new cue like “here,” “to me,” or even a whistle. Just be consistent.

Step 2: Start Indoors With No Distractions

Use treats or a toy. Call your dog from a short distance with an excited voice. When they come, reward and praise. Repeat.

Step 3: Add Distance and Movement

Call them from another room. Call them while they’re walking away. Add some challenge, but keep success high.

Step 4: Go Outside, But Controlled

Use a long line (15–30 feet leash) in your backyard or quiet park. Let them roam, then call them. Reel them in if needed, but always praise and reward when they get to you.

Step 5: Practice Around Distractions

Gradually introduce distractions—other dogs, toys, food, smells. Don’t go from zero to off-leash at the dog park. Work up to it.

Step 6: Random Rewards

Once they’re solid, start rewarding randomly—but still often. Keep them guessing. Always praise, even if you don’t give a treat every time.

Bonus Tips for Better Recall

Never punish your dog for coming to you. Even if they ran away or took forever, if they eventually come, reward it. Otherwise, you teach them not to come at all.

Use recall games. Dogs love games. Try calling your dog and running away—they’ll chase you. Or hide behind a tree and call them. Make recall part of your fun time.

Keep sessions short and sweet. Quit while you’re ahead. End training sessions on a win. Don’t wait until your dog is bored or distracted.

Teach an emergency recall. Pick a special word (like “NOW” or a whistle) that you only use in emergencies. Practice it with high-value rewards so your dog knows it means “drop everything and come.”

Final Thoughts

A reliable recall isn’t magic—it’s training, consistency, and a little strategy. Most of the time, if your dog doesn’t come when called, it’s not because they’re stubborn. It’s because they haven’t been trained properly, or their training has gaps. The good news? You can fix it.

Put in the reps. Be more fun. Reward like you mean it. And remember, recall isn’t about control—it’s about trust. When your dog trusts that coming to you is always a good idea, they’ll start doing it like second nature.

Why Your Dog Refuses to Come When Called – And How to Fix It