Recall- how to make sure your dog comes back first time, every time.
Why Recall Is So Important
Reliable recall gives your dog the freedom to explore safely. Whether you're hiking, at the beach, or letting your dog romp in the backyard, having a strong recall means you can call them away from danger or distractions. It builds trust, strengthens your bond, and lets you enjoy more of life together.
But if your dog only comes “when they feel like it,” you’ve got a safety issue—not just a training one.
Long lines: an essential tool for building a solid recall
When teaching your dog to recall, make sure you only say their recall cue ONCE, then if they don’t immediately turn and come towards you gently use a long line to bring them in. Repeating yourself teaches the dog that it’s okay to listen on the 3rd, 4th or 5th cue which is not the response you want in a dangerous situation. I like 5m biothane long lines because woven ones can get pretty gross in muddy conditions. Only when you can recall your dog without using the long line 100% of the time (yes, even when they’re right next to a person/dog/squirrel!) are you ready to drop (not remove!) the long line. If the dog reliably recalls for at least a couple of weeks while towing the long line then you can take it off. This middle step of dropping it allows you to step on it if they decide to try ignoring the recall cue.
Puppies are hard-wired to want to stay close to their caregivers so will often excel at recall training from the day they come home with you- leading a lot of people to assume their dog is a genius and will never need a long line. Unfortunately when the dog’s hormones kick in at around 6 months old they develop more independence and usually need some extra support with their recall training- don’t be afraid to go back to using a long line until they’re mature. For more information on this head over to my teenage dog blog.
E-Collars: the secret to fast, reliable recall
No matter how much time and effort you put into traditional training, some dogs simply won't come reliably off-lead—especially when instincts kick in. That’s where e-collars (also called remote collars or electronic collars) can be game-changers.
When used correctly, an e-collar gives you a way to communicate with your dog at a distance, even when they’re highly distracted or far away.
How E-Collars Work:
Modern e-collars use adjustable levels of stimulation (similar to a gentle muscle stimulator for humans) to get your dog’s attention. They are not the same as old-school shock collars. When introduced properly, they’re not painful or scary—they’re just another form of pressure and guidance.
Why E-Collars Work So Well for Recall:
You can communicate even when your voice doesn’t carry.
They cut through high-prey drive or distractions like other dogs, wildlife, or exciting smells.
They give you peace of mind during off-leash adventures.
Important: E-collars are not a shortcut or a punishment tool. They should always be introduced through a thoughtful, balanced training process with guidance from an experienced trainer. Once they’ve been used wrongly and your dog is scared of the collar it’s almost impossible to backtrack so you must seek professional support to get it right the first time around.
A Sample Recall Progression with E-Collar:
Teach recall on-leash using the advice above
Layer in the e-collar at the lowest detectable level once your dog understands their recall cue. The stimulation is used as a prompt, not a punishment.
Pair the cue + stimulation, mark and reward when your dog turns and comes to you.
Practice in gradually harder environments, using the collar as a backup to reinforce the cue.
Final Thoughts
A strong recall opens up a whole new world of freedom and fun for both you and your dog. While you can get great results with positive reinforcement and long-line practice, if you want truly reliable, off-leash recall—the kind that works around deer, dogs, or distractions—an e-collar is often the most dependable tool.
When introduced fairly and with good technique, e-collars don’t harm the bond with your dog—they enhance it. You become someone your dog can depend on for clear, consistent communication, no matter what’s happening around you.
Ready to level up your dog’s recall? Whether you’re just starting or considering an e-collar for more reliability, the most important thing is this: recall is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice, patience, and the right mindset.
Your dog can come running every time—and you’ll both be better for it. Hit “get in touch” at the top of this page to develop a rock-solid recall for your dog.
