Dogs will come running to you if you follow trainer’s advice (Image: Paul Baggaley via Getty Images)
Owning a dog is undoubtedly one of life’s greatest pleasures, though training your four-legged companion different tricks and commands can prove as challenging as it is satisfying.
From basic commands like sit and down to the excitement of fetch, there’s immense satisfaction in those breakthrough training moments. Among the essential skills, recall often tops the list of most important commands to teach a dog, since a properly trained dog who returns on command can help prevent several potential problems and accidents.
Dog training specialist Sam Hoke understands this perfectly, which is why he turned to TikTok to share his expert tips with fellow dog owners. Showing off his Labrador Mo’s flawless obedience skills in the video, Sam went on to share his go-to training techniques to get others to achieve the same results.
“Have you ever called your dog and they completely ignored you or ran away? There’s a cure for that,” he said at the start of the clip, exposing the key to outstanding recall.
“Step one – stop calling your dog when you have nothing to offer,” Sam started, as he said you need to make your dog want to come to you.
He explained: “Think about it like this, if your friends text you every day and nine times out of ten it’s to complain, how long until you stop responding?”
The same applies to your dog, so cease sending your dog annoying messages. Sam explained: “When you call them, it should be worth their while.”
His approach is uncomplicated – summon Mo to then simply to shower him with rewards or affection, not solely for compliance. “This builds a positive association with coming when called,” said Sam. “I’m building up the habit in places that matter, like the park.”
But this alone isn’t always enough. To ensure a reliable recall with Mo, Sam explained that practicing even when he is preoccupied is key to success.
“When Mo isn’t paying attention, either Lia or I call him over but watch how we don’t move towards him,” he told his viewers. “We move backwards, triggering his natural instinct to chase. And when he comes to us, boom, we reward him.”
Additionally, when Mo responds correctly, they make a point of touching his collar before giving a treat, establishing that a collar grab doesn’t always signal the end of playtime.
“So be the friend your dog wants to come to, the one who calls them over for treats and fun. Not the one who’s always dragging them out of the park and complaining,” Sam concluded.
RSPCA’s tips to train your dog to come when called
Just like Sam’s tips, the RSPCA suggests starting recall training by always offering something fun, like a treat or a fun game, when you call them to you.
Run away a couple of paces before calling your dog’s name and saying ‘come’ in a friendly and excited tone. As your dog comes to you, gently hold their collar and either feed them the treat or let them play with the toy.
Then gradually increase the distance that you are from your dog, until eventually you can call your dog in and out of the garden or from room to room. You can also ask your partner or a friend to hold your dog’s collar as you walk away further to practice longer distances. And don’t forget to praise your dog every time they successfully come to you.
Once your dog is consistently coming to you when called around the house and garden you can start to practice in safe outside spaces. For this, using long training leads can be helpful as they allow your dog some freedom without giving them complete free-range at this stage.