🐶 How to Teach Your Dog to Come to You: Vet-Approved Recall Training for 2025 by Dr Duncan Houston 🐾

A reliable recall is one of the most valuable—and potentially life-saving—skills you can teach your dog. Whether calling your pup away from a busy street, another dog, or a delicious distraction (like trash!), a well-trained recall builds trust, strengthens your bond, and keeps your dog safe. In this 2025 guide, Dr Duncan Houston shares step-by-step recall training tips and games to make “come to me” your dog’s favorite command. 🎯

🔑 Why Recall Training Matters

Dogs are curious and energetic. A solid recall helps prevent:

• 🚗 Running into traffic
• 👃 Eating dangerous objects
• 🐕 Unwanted interactions with other dogs or wildlife

It also provides freedom—recall-trained dogs can enjoy more off-leash time in safe areas. 🐾

🧠 Start with Positive Associations

Begin recall training the moment your dog joins your family—puppies or rescues alike! 🐶

• 🍖 Use high-value rewards: freeze-dried liver, chicken, cheese
• 🎾 Offer play rewards: tug toys, balls, or food puzzles
• 🗣️ Always act excited when your dog comes back

Coming to you should always feel like winning the jackpot. 💰

🏡 Begin Indoors, Close Range

Start simple:

1. 📏 Call your dog from 1–2 feet away
2. 🎉 Celebrate their approach with praise and treats
3. ⏱️ Keep sessions short—just 2–3 successful recalls per session

Build the habit in quiet environments before introducing distractions. 🧩

🎲 Fun Games to Teach Recall

Make training a game and your dog will love it!

🎯 Name Game

• 🗣️ Say your dog’s name
• 🍪 Deliver a treat—even if they don’t look or come

This builds a positive association with hearing their name. Play several times a day in different rooms. 📢

👣 Catch Me Game

• 🚶 Walk around the house or yard
• 🖐️ When your dog comes near, offer a treat and move away
• 🔁 Repeat every time they “catch” you

Reinforces proximity and chasing you—not squirrels. 🐿️

🏃‍♂️ Chase Me Game

• 🧀 Toss a treat on the floor
• 📢 As your dog finishes, move away fast
• 🐾 Reward when they “chase” and reach you

Add their name once they understand the game. 🧠

🦴 Favorite Game Recall

• 🗣️ Call your dog mid-play
• 🎁 Offer their favorite toy or tug game as the reward

Use hand targeting or tricks if needed. Snuffle mats work great too! 🧩

🌳 Slowly Add Distractions & Distance

Progress gradually:

1. 🏡 Indoors
2. 🌿 Backyard
3. 🛣️ Sidewalk or quiet park (on leash)
4. 🏞️ Busy environments with high distractions

Always be ready to dial back if your dog gets distracted. ✅

🚫 Common Recall Mistakes

• ❌ Calling your dog to punish them
• 🛁 Using recall before something they dislike (like a bath)
• 🔁 Over-practicing and causing boredom
• 🐕 Letting untrained dogs off leash in unsafe areas

Always protect the recall cue as a positive, safe experience. 💛

📘 Troubleshooting Tips

• ⏰ Practice when your dog is hungry and alert
• 🌤️ Choose quiet times and spaces to begin
• 🎁 Change up rewards to keep things interesting
• 🧠 If your dog hesitates or stops mid-run, lower distractions

🧪 Proofing the Behavior

Try practicing in:

• 🌳 New parks
• 🏕️ Campgrounds
• 🚶 Walks with friends or around other dogs

Always use a long leash or enclosed space until your recall is rock solid. 🧱

📲 Ask A Vet Can Help Train Reliable Recall

Need recall help or don’t know where to start? The Ask A Vet app offers:

• 📞 Direct advice from positive reinforcement trainers
• 📹 Video reviews of your practice sessions
• 📅 Custom training plans based on your dog’s age and energy

Get the recall support you need—fast and kind. 🐶📲

🌟 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

A joyful recall is a game-changer—it opens doors to safe off-leash fun, better walks, and deeper trust. Start small, stay patient, and always celebrate when your dog chooses you. 🎉

Need a hand? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app today. You’ll be chasing fewer dogs—and building stronger bonds—in 2025! 🐕🐾