Does your dog mysteriously ignore recall right at the end of the walk? 😅 If we only ever call them back to clip on the lead and go home, it’s no wonder they learn that “come here” means “fun is over”. By practising recall throughout your walk, even when you don’t “need” to, you keep it strong, fun, and reliable.
Why Recall When You Don’t Need To?
Most dogs are clever enough to spot patterns. If recall only ever happens:
- At the gate or car park
- Right before the lead goes on
- Just before you leave the field or park
Then “come here” starts to mean game over. That’s when you see dogs slow down, dodge out of reach, or simply decide they’ve gone temporarily deaf.
By recalling your dog at random points through the walk, clipping the lead on briefly, rewarding them, and then letting them go again, you teach a much healthier pattern:
- Recall doesn’t always mean home time.
- Coming back is worth it (treats, praise, a quick sniff break).
- Checking in with you is part of the fun, not the end of it.
How to Practise Recall Throughout Your Walk
Here’s a simple way to practise recall when you don’t strictly “need” to, just like in the video with Bear:
- Sprinkle 4–5 recalls into each walk. Choose random moments, not just near the car or gate.
- Call your dog back once. Use your recall cue in a happy, upbeat voice.
- Reward generously. Feed a few tasty treats, give praise, or have a quick play.
- Clip the lead on for 5–10 paces. Do a short burst of calm lead walking.
- Then unclip and release. Use a clear “Off you go!” or similar cue to send them back to free time.
Near the end of the walk, mix it up even more. Sometimes recall and release. Sometimes recall and walk on the lead. Sometimes recall and then head home. The goal is that your dog can’t predict what happens next, they just learn that coming back to you is always a good idea.
Make Coming Back Worth It
If you’re asking your dog to turn away from smells, dogs, people, and the freedom of the walk, you need to pay well for that choice. A few tips:
- Use high-value rewards. Tiny bits of chicken, cheese, or proper training treats make a big difference.
- Sometimes reward with freedom. Recall ➜ treat ➜ release back to sniffing is a powerful combination.
- Keep your energy positive. No telling off when they arrive, even if they took their time.
The more often your dog earns great rewards for coming back before you really need them, the more reliable they’ll be when you do.
FAQ
Won’t my dog get confused if I recall and then let them go again?
No. Recall should mean “come back to me now”, not “come back and stay forever”. Calling your dog back, rewarding them, clipping the lead on briefly, then releasing again often makes recall stronger because it doesn’t always predict the end of fun.
How often should I practise recall on a walk?
A good starting point is 4–5 recalls per walk. If your dog stays engaged and enjoys it, you can do more. Keep it short, fun, and rewarding, rather than turning it into a drill that interrupts them constantly.
What if my dog ignores me when I call?
If your dog regularly ignores recall, the cue may have lost its meaning, or the environment is too exciting right now. Go back a step. Practise in easier places, use better rewards, and use a long line while you rebuild. If you want a clear step-by-step plan, the course below will help.
For the best tips on recall training, check out my
Rapid Recall Online Course
Related Articles:
