How to Teach Your Dog to Come When Called - Step by Step Guide

Recall - Step 1. Start at home.

"Your Dog Isn't Ignoring You - They're Just Doing the Math"

Understanding what "come when called" really means to your dog.

We've all been there. You call your dog's name across the park, and they look right at you... Then turn around and keep sniffing that fascinating patch of grass. Your first thought? "They're being stubborn" or "They don't respect me."

But here's what's really happening: Your dog heard you perfectly. They're just running a quick cost-benefit analysis, and right now, you're losing to a smell.

What Your Dog is Thinking.

When you call "Come!" your dog's brain immediately starts calculating:

"Hmm, human wants me back. Let's see... I'm currently investigating this amazing scent that tells me everything about the three dogs who peed here yesterday. If I go to human, do I get something better than this information? Or does 'come' usually mean the fun stops?"

Your dog isn't being defiant - they're being logical. From their perspective, why would anyone leave the best smell in the universe to stand next to a human who might just put them back on lead?

The Translation: "Come" Means "Trust Me"

Every time you call your dog, you're essentially asking them to trust that whatever you're offering is better than what they currently have. If your dog doesn't come, they're not being bad - they're just not convinced you have a better deal.

Think about it from their side:

• What they're doing right now: Investigating fascinating smells, playing with friends, exploring

• What "come" has meant before: End of the fun, back on lead, time to go home

No wonder they hesitate.

How Teach Your Dog To Come When Called.

Step 1: Make "Come" Mean Something Good at Home

What you're really doing: When you teach your dog to come when called it always leads to something they want.

1. Start small and build trust. Call your dog's name when they're just across the room. When they look at you, drop a treat on the floor and step away.

2. Don't make them come TO you yet - just reward them for paying attention. You're building the foundation: "When human calls my name, good things happen."

3. Repeat this pattern. Call name → they look → treat hits the floor → you move away. Keep it short (5 minutes max) and end with either scattered treats or a quick game.

What your dog is learning: "Oh, my name doesn't mean the fun stops. It means the fun starts."

Step 2: Take It Outside (But Lower Your Expectations)

What you're really doing: Testing whether your "good deal" reputation holds up against real competition.

1. Start on-lead during walks. Practice in different spots each day so your dog learns this works everywhere, not just at home. Call their name and when they look at you drop a treat, then move away.

2. Increase distance gradually but remember - more distractions mean you need to make it easier. If there are other dogs around, only ask them to come a few steps. You want them to succeed.

3. Don't worry about perfect performance. If your dog is distracted by other dogs, that's normal. Either move somewhere quieter or make the task easier.

4. Reward and reward again. Call your dog, drop a treat, then send them off to 'go sniff'. Your dog's thinking; "Wow a treat and freedom, this is magic!"

What your dog is learning: "Even out here with all these interesting things, coming to my human pays off."

Step 3: Compete with the Real World

What you're really doing: Proving you're worth choosing over everything else they find interesting.

1. Practice on every walk, at least twice. But now switch up your rewards - sometimes treats, sometimes praise, sometimes "Okay, go sniff!"

2. Use a long line if you have one - it gives them freedom while keeping them safe as they learn.

3. Make coming back the beginning of more fun, not the end. When they come, give them a treat and then say "Go sniff!" This teaches them that coming to you doesn't mean the adventure stops.

What your dog is learning: "Coming to my human doesn't end the fun - it makes the fun better."

The Real Secret: It's Not About Obedience

Here's what most people get wrong about recall training: they think it's about teaching their dog to obey. But it's actually about building a relationship where your dog chooses you because being with you feels good.

When your dog finally comes running back past all those distractions, they're not being "obedient" - they're telling you something beautiful: "Out of everything interesting in this world, I pick you."

What Your Dog Wants You to Know

"I'm not trying to ignore you when I don't come right away. I'm just weighing my options like any smart creature would. That smell might be telling me important dog news, or that other dog might want to play.

But here's the thing - I want you to be the best choice. Just show me that coming to you means good things, not that the fun ends. Give me a reason to choose you over everything else, and I will.

I'm not stubborn - I'm just waiting for you to make me a better offer."

Your Turn

This week, try thinking like your dog for one training session. Before you call them, ask yourself: "If I were my dog right now, why would I want to leave what I'm doing to come to me? Do I need to call them?"

What's the biggest competition for your dog's attention? Share in the comments - I bet other dog parents are dealing with the same "rival" for their pup's focus!