If your dog bolts the moment you take off the leash—or seems to have selective hearing when you shout, “Come!”—you’re not alone. Teaching a reliable recall is one of the most important skills for any dog, but it’s also one of the most commonly misunderstood.
At High Country K9, we specialize in helping dog owners overcome recall issues through proven dog training methods that build trust, consistency, and results. In this post, we’ll break down why your dog might not be coming when called—and how to finally fix it.
Common Reasons Your Dog Won’t Come When Called
1. Lack of Motivation
Your dog may not see a good reason to return to you. If coming to you means the fun ends, or there’s nothing rewarding waiting for them, why bother?
2. You’ve “Poisoned” the Cue
If you’ve used “come” before unpleasant events (like baths, crate time, or leaving the park), your dog may associate the word with negative outcomes.
3. Inconsistent Training
Recall isn’t a one-and-done skill. It needs consistent, structured practice in various environments—starting simple and building up.
4. Competing Distractions
Squirrels, smells, and other dogs can easily overpower your voice if your dog hasn’t been conditioned to respond even in high-distraction situations.
How to Fix Your Dog’s Recall (and Make “Come” Reliable)
✅ Use High-Value Rewards
Forget the basic kibble—use real meat, cheese, or your dog’s favorite toy. Make coming to you the best part of their day.
✅ Re-Teach the Command with a New Word (If Needed)
If “come” is already ignored, try a new cue like “here” or “front.” Reinforce it in low-distraction areas before increasing the difficulty.
✅ Play Recall Games
Turn training into a game! Try the “Come and Chase” game or “Hide and Seek” with your dog to make it fun and rewarding.
✅ Use a Long Line
A 20-30 foot leash gives your dog space to roam while keeping them safe as you reinforce the behavior at greater distances.
✅ Be Consistent and Positive
Never punish your dog for coming to you, even if it took a while. Always reward the return so they associate coming back with good things.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your dog continues to ignore you or bolts in dangerous situations, it’s time to call in the pros. At High Country K9, we offer professional recall training programs that are tailored to your dog’s behavior, personality, and environment. We use positive reinforcement and balanced training techniques to turn distracted dogs into focused, obedient companions.