How to Teach Your Dog to Come When Called

By Goody DoggyBased on AKC guidance

This guide shows you how to teach your dog to come when called, one small step at a time. It’s written for puppies, teens, adults and rescues. The American Kennel Club (AKC) says a reliable recall is potentially lifesaving.

When you call, you’re asking your dog to stop whatever they’re doing and come right back to you. AKC calls that a big ask. In an emergency, you need to know your dog will come to you.

The steps below follow AKC’s method. Your job is to be the most exciting thing around, so coming to you pays off every time.

Before you start

• Pick a reward your dog lovesAKC suggests a game of tug or a piece of chicken. Small bites of special food or a favorite toy can also work.
• Pick your wordSay your dog’s name, then “come.” Use a happy, excited voice, since a harsh or boring one gives your dog little reason to come.
• Find a quiet spotStart in a small, quiet room, with your dog on leash. It’s easier to be exciting when there’s no competition.
• Keep sessions shortAKC says puppy sessions should last just five to 10 minutes. End each one on a positive note.

You’ll also need a leash and a marker. A marker is a clicker or a word like “yes” that tells your dog they got it right. Praise works as a reward once your dog learns it’s good, so say “good dog” in a happy voice as you hand over a treat.

Teaching your dog to come, step by step

1. Teach your dog’s name

   AKC says your dog’s name should mean “pay attention to me.” Start with your dog on leash or in a small, quiet room. Wait until your dog is looking at anything other than you, then say their name in a happy, excited voice.

   When your dog turns to look at you, mark the moment. Then praise and give a favorite treat. Once your dog looks at you eagerly every time, add distractions like other people in the room or favorite toys on the ground.

2. Teach “gotcha”

   Most dogs dart away when you try to take hold of their collar. AKC teaches a second word, “gotcha,” so a collar grab becomes a chance to get a treat. Lure your dog over with an exciting treat and let them lick or nibble it without handing it over.

   Say “gotcha,” slowly and gently take hold of the collar, then let your dog eat the rest of the treat. Make your grabs faster and firmer as you go. Practice in many places, and give a treat every time you get hold of your dog.

3. Say “come” and make it a party

   Stand a few feet from your dog and say their name, then “come.” Pat your legs or clap your hands to get them to approach. As soon as your dog reaches you, mark the moment. Then praise like crazy and give a favorite reward.

   If your dog doesn’t come yet, AKC’s puppy method starts even simpler. Sit with your dog, say their name or “come,” and give a treat each time. Your dog doesn’t have to do anything yet.

4. Add distance

   Once your dog comes every time you call, add some distance. Let your dog wander to the end of the leash before you call them back.

   Next, let your dog off leash in a quiet room and repeat. Run backwards as you say “come,” since dogs love a good chase. Then repeat the training in different rooms of the house.

5. Ask for a sit when they arrive

   When your dog happily runs to you every time, ask for a “sit” as they arrive. Then mark the moment, praise, and reward.

   AKC wants your dog to be stationary when they come, so they stay put after the reward. Once the sit is working, say “gotcha” every so often so your dog learns it’s okay if you take hold of them too.

6. Add distractions slowly

   Once your dog runs to you anywhere in the house, you’re ready for distractions. Start small, like another pet in the room or someone cooking in the kitchen.

   Build up to larger distractions a little at a time. If your dog stops responding, go back to a step where they can succeed.

7. Play recall games

   Your dog should think coming when called is incredibly fun, AKC says. One game is round robin, where a group of people each call your dog in turn.

   Another is find me, where you hide in another room before you call your dog. Give plenty of praise and pets every time your dog arrives.

Common recall mistakes

• Repeating your dog’s nameAKC says saying it too often when your dog doesn’t respond makes it easier for them to ignore it. Move closer and go back to a step where they can respond the first time.
• Sounding harsh or boringIf you do, your dog has little reason to come. Use a happy, excited voice and a reward your dog loves.
• Asking for too much too soonIf your dog ignores you, take several steps back in your training. Check your reward too, since a harder exercise may need a better one.
• Grabbing at your dog when they arriveAKC says this can be confusing or frightening for some dogs. Teach “gotcha” so a collar grab means a treat, and if your dog is timid, kneel and face them sideways as you move toward the collar.

Practicing outside

Outdoors is a whole new ballgame, even if your dog comes every time indoors. AKC says to take your training outside, but not to let your dog roam free.

Start with your dog on a 6-foot leash and repeat the steps above. If your dog pulls on that leash, our guide to leash pulling can help.

Then move up to a 20-foot or 30-foot longline training leash, and slowly give your dog more of that distance. Use the line to control the situation. If your dog ignores you, gather the line as you walk closer and try again.

Practice in a safe, enclosed area. Even the best-behaved dog won’t be perfect, so only let your dog off leash in a safe place.

Have a dog in the teen months? Our guide to the teenage dog covers that stage.

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When to get help

AKC says there can be all kinds of reasons your dog doesn’t come when called. A trainer can answer your questions and help you troubleshoot training challenges.

Choose a qualified trainer who uses positive reinforcement methods. Not sure what to look for? See what dog trainer certifications mean.

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