Build a Reliable Recall—Without Force or Frustration

3 Real-Life Tips for Positive Dog Training in St. Louis

Having a strong recall—where your dog comes when called—is one of the most important skills you can teach your dog. But it’s also one of the hardest to build, especially when distractions are high and motivation is low.

At Good Dog Enrichment and Training, we specialize in positive, force-free dog training in St. Louis that helps dogs succeed in the real world. That means no punishment, no fear—just thoughtful, effective strategies that make your dog want to come to you.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or fine-tuning your dog’s response, here are three foundational tips to help your recall training actually stick.

🐿 Tip #1: Don’t Wait Until They’re Mid-Squirrel Chase

We get it—it’s tempting to call your dog when they’re already distracted. But recall training is a skill that needs to be built in calm, controlled environments before it works in the wild.

Start somewhere easy, like your living room or fenced yard. Gradually work your way up to more distractions over time. Calling your dog only when they’re already tuned out teaches them to ignore the cue—or worse, to bolt the other direction.

Practice early. Practice often. Practice before it matters.

🍖 Tip #2: Match the Reward to the Environment

Your dog is always doing a mental cost-benefit analysis: “Is coming to you better than sniffing this bush or saying hi to that dog?” If you want them to choose you, your reward has to compete with whatever else is going on.

That means:

• Use high-value treats (think cheese, meat, or a favorite toy)

• Be exciting and playful—cheer, run backward, celebrate!

• Change it up so your dog never knows what fun might happen next
  

When your energy and rewards are more exciting than the world around them, your dog will start seeing recall as a game they love to win.

🦴 Tip #3: Practice on Leash First

Before testing recall off-leash (even in fenced areas), use your leash as a training tool—not just a safety net.

Start with short leashes, then long lines, and work your way up. Use the leash to gently guide them if needed, but focus on helping them choose to come to you—never dragging them or forcing it.

As your dog gets more consistent, you can begin to reduce distance and increase distractions—always working at a level where your dog can succeed.

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to accidentally stall your dog’s progress. Here are a few things to watch out for:

❌ Using recall only when it’s time to leave

If “Come!” always means the fun is over, your dog will start avoiding you. Instead, call them over, reward them, then release them back to play sometimes.

❌ Getting frustrated when your dog doesn’t come

Stay upbeat. If your dog hesitates, get low, clap your hands, or move away playfully—avoid yelling or sounding stern. Recall should feel fun and safe.

❌ Repeating the cue over and over

If your dog doesn’t come the first time, don’t keep saying “Come, come, come!” Try changing your tone or body language, or get closer and re-engage before trying again.

🏁 Want a Recall That Works in Real Life?

Our Race to Recall group class is built specifically for this challenge. You’ll learn how to teach and strengthen your dog’s recall using force-free, reward-based training, with real-world distractions in a safe, supportive environment.

Whether your dog is nervous, excitable, or just loves to ignore you sometimes, this class gives you the tools—and the practice reps—to make real progress.

👉 Click here to check out our upcoming classes and see when the next Race to Recall starts!

Let’s turn “Come!” into your dog’s favorite word.