Category: Training & Behavior

There’s nothing quite like the freedom of watching your dog joyfully explore the world. But that freedom is only possible with a foundation of trust and safety. The single most important command for any dog owner is a reliable recall—the ability to have your dog come back to you, no matter the distraction.

A rock-solid “come” command can prevent accidents, keep your dog safe in emergencies, and give you peace of mind. But how do you build a recall that’s truly dependable?

We’ve partnered with expert trainer Sylvie Pleasant of K9 Solutions to break down the process into seven clear, positive, and effective steps. Forget frustration and get ready to build a stronger bond with your best friend.

The Golden Rules of Recall: Before You Begin

Before we jump into the steps, let’s set the stage for success. According to Sylvie, the key is to make yourself the most exciting thing in your dog’s world.

• Be a Party: Your tone of voice and body language are everything. Use lots of enthusiasm, praise, and a cheerful, high-pitched tone to make returning to you feel like the best decision your dog has ever made.
• Never Punish the Return: Never, ever call your dog to you for something they dislike (like a nail trim, a bath, or a scolding). They will quickly learn to associate “come” with negative experiences. If you’re feeling angry or frustrated, don’t use the command.

With that foundation of positivity in mind, you’re ready to start training!

Step 1: Turn Training into a Game

The best way to start is by making recall a fun game of chase. In a safe, low-distraction area like your living room or a fenced yard, start encouraging your dog to chase you for a few feet. Keep the energy high and fun!

Step 2: Introduce the “Come” Cue

As your dog is joyfully running towards you in the middle of your chase game, turn to face them. With an enthusiastic and happy voice, clearly say the word “Come!” only once. The goal is for them to associate that word with the fun action of running to you.

Step 3: Make it Rain Rewards

The moment your dog reaches you, shower them with praise. But don’t stop there. Reward them generously with high-value treats.

Sylvie’s Pro Tip: Give them a total of ten small, tasty treats, but offer them one at a time. This extends the reward experience and makes coming to you feel like hitting the jackpot.

Step 4: The ‘One and Done’ Rule

It is critical to only use the word “come” once. If you repeat the command over and over (“Fido, come! Fido, come! C’mon, come!”), the word loses its meaning and becomes background noise. Say it once, clearly and cheerfully.

Step 5: Master the Follow-Through

Only use the “come” command when you are confident you can follow through. If you say the word and your dog gets distracted, don’t let the command fail. Immediately and cheerfully walk or run over to your dog, take them gently by the collar or harness, and lead them back to the spot you originally called from. Once you’re there, praise them! This teaches them that the command is not optional, but it does so without anger or punishment.

Step 6: Create a Consistent Practice Schedule

Consistency is what builds reliability. For the first two weeks, follow this schedule:

• Practice Sessions: 1-2 short sessions per day.
• Repetitions: Repeat the exercise four times within each session.

Keeping sessions short and fun prevents your dog from getting bored and ensures they are always excited to train.

Step 7: Maintain and Vary the Reward

After two weeks of consistent practice, your dog’s recall should be getting much stronger. Now, it’s time to maintain it for life.

• Maintenance Practice: Continue practicing 1-2 times per week to keep the skill sharp.
• Variable Reinforcement: Start reducing the frequency of treats. This is the secret to a long-lasting command. Sometimes your dog gets one treat, sometimes they get a few, and occasionally, they get a massive jackpot of their favorite snacks! By never knowing exactly what reward they’ll get, their motivation to come back will remain incredibly high. Remember to always reward with enthusiastic praise, even when you don’t use treats.

Troubleshooting: What If My Dog…

Ignores Me? If your dog ignores the command during a training session, don’t get discouraged. Show them what they missed out on! You can do this by enthusiastically giving the treat to another dog (if one is around) or even tossing it in the trash in front of them. Then, try to re-engage their interest by making it a game again and getting them to chase you.

Runs Away in an Open Area? Panicking and running after your dog will often make them run faster (they think it’s a game!). Instead, try the opposite. Get low to the ground by kneeling or even flopping down dramatically. For many dogs, this is so unusual that their curiosity will bring them back to investigate. You can also try running in the opposite direction, which can trigger their instinct to chase you.

A Command Built on Trust

Teaching a reliable recall is about more than just obedience; it’s about building a powerful bond of trust and communication between you and your dog. By staying patient, positive, and consistent, you are investing in your dog’s safety and your shared happiness for years to come.

This training guide was developed with insights from Sylvie Pleasant of K9 Solutions.

There’s nothing quite like a peaceful walk with your dog or a relaxing afternoon in the yard. But for many pet parents, that peace is often shattered by a sudden lunge at a passing jogger, frantic barking at a squirrel, or the heart-stopping discovery of an open gate.

If you’re struggling with a dog that reacts to everything that moves or has become a master escape artist, you’re not alone. These behaviors can be stressful and even dangerous, but they don’t have to be a permanent part of your life. The key is to manage your dog’s environment to prevent the behavior from being practiced and reinforced.

Here at The Pet Pantry, we believe a well-behaved dog is a happy dog, and that starts with a safe and structured environment. We’ve compiled these practical tips to help you curb the chaos and build a calmer relationship with your four-legged family member.

Managing Reactivity: Creating a Calm Home Base

A dog that lunges and barks at passersby is often practicing a behavior called “territorial aggression.” The more they do it, the more ingrained it becomes. Your first line of defense is to control their environment to set them up for success.

1. Redesign Your Yard for Peace and Quiet

Preventing your dog from having an unrestricted view of high-traffic areas is crucial. When a dog can run along a fence line barking at people, they are self-rewarding the behavior, making it stronger over time.

• Limit Access: Prevent your dog from having unlimited access to the entire yard, especially front yards or areas with a clear view of the street. Consider using internal fencing to create a designated “dog zone” in a more secluded part of your property, like the backyard.
• Create Visual Barriers: Use landscaping to your advantage. Planting dense shrubs or installing privacy screening on your fence can block your dog’s view of the outside world, reducing the temptation to react to every stimulus that comes near.

2. Master the Front Door Greeting

Your front door is a major threshold. An out-of-control greeting can be overwhelming for guests and reinforce hyperactive behavior in your dog.

• Establish a Boundary: Train your dog to stay on a mat or behind a baby gate when the doorbell rings. This ensures guests can enter your home without being greeted by an overly excited or potentially intimidating dog. Remember, even a small, friendly dog can be frightening to someone who is afraid of dogs.

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Fortifying Your Yard: Tips for the Escape Artist

A secure fence is about more than just keeping your dog in; it’s about keeping dangers out. Here are some essential tips for ensuring your yard is a true safe haven.

3. Rethink the Underground or Electric Fence

While they can keep a dog within a boundary, underground or electric fences should never be used without direct supervision.

• They Don’t Create a Barrier: These systems don’t prevent other animals or people from entering your yard. This leaves your dog vulnerable to being stolen, teased, or attacked by another dog. A highly aroused or fearful dog may also run through the electric boundary, only to be unwilling to cross it again to return home.

4. Outsmart the Fence Jumper

For dogs that can scale fences, a few modifications can make a world of difference.

• Install Coyote Rollers: These are rollers placed at the top of a fence that spin when an animal tries to get a foothold, preventing them from pulling themselves over.
• Add a Secondary Barrier: Install an underground fence line a few feet inside your physical fence. This can deter your dog from getting close enough to the fence to jump it.
• Consult a Professional: Persistent fence jumping is a complex issue. Working with a certified professional dog trainer can help you address the root cause of the behavior, such as separation anxiety or boredom.

5. Stop Digging in Its Tracks

If your dog is a digger, they can create an escape route in minutes.

• Bury a Barrier: Staple chicken wire to the bottom 2 feet of your fence and bury it at least 6-12 inches underground, bending it away from the fence in an “L” shape. This creates a barrier that will stop your dog’s paws when they try to dig near the fence line.

6. Secure Your Gates (Automatically!)

An open gate is an invitation for disaster. Human error is common, so why not take it out of the equation?

• Install Self-Closing Springs: These simple and inexpensive devices can be installed on most gate hinges. They ensure that the gate swings shut automatically behind you every time, preventing accidental escapes. Add a self-latching mechanism for ultimate security.

Patience and Consistency are Key

Managing your dog’s behavior is a journey, not a sprint. By implementing these environmental changes, you remove the opportunity for your dog to practice unwanted behaviors, which is the first and most important step in any training plan.

By creating a secure and calm environment, you provide the foundation your dog needs to thrive. A safe dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog makes for a happy home.