Teaching your dog recall: a step-by-step method

A good recall is the command that can save your dog's life: near a road, faced with a pack of stray dogs or a cat darting away. It's also the best way to stop them running off. The good news: every dog can learn it, as long as you take it step by step.

The three golden rules

1. Coming back must always be worth it. Every return earns a reward: a high-value treat (chicken, cheese), a game, a good fuss.
2. Never call them for something unpleasant: a bath, the end of a walk, a telling-off, medication. In those cases, go and fetch your dog yourself.
3. Never scold a dog who comes back, even if it took them ten minutes. Otherwise, they learn that coming back is risky.

Choosing your recall word

Pick a word that is short, distinctive and used only for recall: "Here!", "Come!" or a whistle. If you've already overused "Come" with no result, change the word and start again from scratch. The whole family must use the same word.

The method, step by step

Step 1: at home

In a quiet room, say the recall word when your dog is one or two metres away and already looking at you. They come: reward them immediately, with enthusiasm. Repeat 5 to 10 times per session, several times a day, for a few days.

Step 2: adding a little distance

Call them from another room, then when they're busy (sniffing, playing). The two-person "ping-pong" game, where you take turns calling them, is very effective and fun.

Step 3: outdoors, with a long line

Outside, distractions are much stronger. Use a 5 to 10 metre long line attached to a harness (never to the collar). It gives your dog freedom while keeping you in control: if they don't come back, you can stop them leaving without yanking them.

Start somewhere calm (a fenced field, a park early in the morning), then gradually increase the distractions.

Step 4: real distractions

Other dogs, cats, children running, beach smells… Work at a good distance at first, and reward very generously. A successful recall with a cat nearby is worth a jackpot of treats.

Step 5: letting them off, only when it's solid

Only let your dog off when they come back almost every time on the long line, in a variety of situations, and only in safe places, away from roads. Even then, keep the long line within reach for several weeks.

The most common mistakes

• Repeating the word over and over: "Here, here, here!" teaches the dog that the first call doesn't count.
• Chasing after them: they think it's a game. Instead, run in the opposite direction while calling them cheerfully.
• Only calling them when it's time to leave: call them during the walk, reward them, then let them go again. Recall shouldn't mean "the party's over".
• Going too fast: each step must be solid before you move on to the next.

What about dogs with a strong hunting instinct?

Some breeds (sighthounds, northern breeds, hunting dogs) have such a strong instinct that a perfect recall is very hard to achieve. For them, the long line remains your best ally. If you have a dog like this, also read the dog breeds most likely to run away.

The safety net: identification

Even the best-trained dog can panic one day. If recall fails, it's their identification that brings them home. With a Homy QR tag, whoever finds them sees their profile and can alert you in an instant.

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Key takeaway: a solid recall is built in calm conditions, with generous rewards, a long line and plenty of patience. And up-to-date identification remains essential for the day it isn't enough.