Your Dog’s Recall Can Be Fun and Non-negotiable Once You Know This Key Fact

Ever found yourself standing in the park, calling your dog over and over, only to be met with… nothing?

Or worse, your dog looks right at you, then bolts in the other direction? 

Few things are more frustrating.

This is one of the most common problems dog owners face. A dog who comes when called is THE most important skill for keeping them safe (think cars, dog fights, avoiding liability when they knock over your neighbor’s grandma). 

And once your dog masters this, every other behavior issue becomes 10x easier to fix.

Why Your Dog Isn’t Coming When Called

When your dog ignores you, it’s probably because they’ve learned that coming back to you just isn’t as fun as whatever they’re doing. Sniffing that tree or chasing that bird is way more exciting than heading back to you.

You also make it worse by only calling your dog when something negative is about to happen—like playtime is over or they’re in trouble.

Your dog will start to associate your call with the end of fun. Can you blame them for not listening?

Here’s the Quick Fix:

Start calling your dog just for fun. Call them over for belly rubs, treats, or a quick game of tug. Always reward them when they come to you, even if it takes them longer than you’d like.

Call them over randomly throughout the day—10x a day for the next month. And when they get to you, make it the best moment of their day. Treats, pets, toys, praise—whatever makes your dog light up. This teaches them that coming to you is always a win.

Here’s the Real Fix:

A long leash and an e-collar. I can’t cover every detail in an email, but here’s the truth: 

After a few sessions with one of our professional trainers, your dog will understand that coming when called is both fun and non-negotiable.

Let me be real for a second—no dog has a 100% reliable recall without the help of an e-collar. 

It’s not about being “harsh” with your dog; it’s about creating a boundary that your dog respects, for their safety and your peace of mind. Every dog has their “Kryptonite,” and without an e-collar, they’ll ignore even the best of trainers in the heat of the moment.

With our training programs, we don’t just teach your dog to come when called—we make sure they love coming back to you. We combine positive reinforcement with firm boundaries to create a recall that’s fun, reliable, and 100% necessary for their safety.