Comments on: How To Train A Dog To Come When You Call

By: Pippa Mattinson

Pippa Mattinson — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 08:06:39 +0000

In reply to Paulette. Hi Paulette, when training anything new, you need separate training sessions to begin with. You could pick one dog to train first, or train them in paralell. Once they both reach a good basic standard, then you can combine them for exercises that both dogs have already practised separately. Good luck with your training! ~ Pippa

By: Paulette

Paulette — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 11:39:08 +0000

Hello,
I have been reading your articles for the last couple of months. I have two 19th month old female chocolate labadors (they are sisters). I just read the steps on teaching your dog to “come”, which seems fine if its training with one dog but, it seems overwelming to train siblings.
Do you have any articles that focus on my sitiuation for bringing/training siblings?
Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.

By: Sammie@LabSiteHQ

Sammie@LabSiteHQ — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 08:17:25 +0000

In reply to Andi. Hi Andi, it sounds like starting from scratch with a new cue, and building up those distractions more slowly this time, will really help. Do let us know how you get on! Sammie

By: Andi

Andi — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 09:04:01 +0000

Really great guidance for both both puppy, mature dog and bewildered pet owner. I have a 11 month old springer spaniel who will benefit from this. I have been struggling with his recall for a while now. Inside the home he is treat driven and will respond but outside he is not interested in treats, even high value ones. When he does come back outside he won’t accept his treats as praise and will often get distracted. I will follow your advise and start again.

By: Alisa Mason

Alisa Mason — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 01:39:53 +0000

Love your training methods. I hope to train my 5month old cavoodle pup. He is very smart so he is definitely not the problem!!
I’ve been training recall but it’s not reliable yet. I have been using the word “come” and most of the time he will dart towards me but is not guarenteed.
If I up the anti with treats can I continue to use this word? Or should I go back to stage 1 with no word?
Arghhhh so much to learn and so easy to make mistakes…
Please help 🙂

By: Claire Reed

Claire Reed — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 18:04:11 +0000

Hi,

I love this article and I have been training my 13 week lab puppy using this method. We did a week worth of phase 1 and we are just about a full week into phase two using the while with 3 pips and no verbal “come here” yet. My question is, when I add in my cue “come here” do I phase out the whistle? Also, when I add in my cue, do I do that for a week where she is not distracted and I see her coming toward me for absolute sure and say the cue?
Thanks so very much!
Claire

By: Rich

Rich — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 13:09:28 +0000

Hi.

I’m not sure if anyone checks this anymore? I have “Total Recall” and have worked through the early stages with my 9 month old Springer. The problem I have is space to train him. Walking isn’t a problem, I live in the countryside and have open fields at my garden gate. But my home and my garden are tiny, certainly not big enough to get people involved or other dogs. I can’t train him in the fields either as the second he is off the lead he is gone! Chasing birds and sniffing them out. A long lead doesn’t work for the same reason, he is at the end of a long lead and pulling it from my hands in seconds. In the house I have him at the stage where he will come away from food, he will come if from the garden and from sleep. But i can’t see a way past these stages with my domestic situation. Any help would be appreciated.

By: Gary

Gary — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 15:56:51 +0000

Just started the recall training on my 2 year old Spinone. He’s recall is poor so taking my time with him. Can I use a 10 meter training lead and harness from stage 1 as I am presses for a safe open space I can let him off lead.

By: Robin

Robin — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 13:21:23 +0000

Thank you, Pippa!
I have a 2 year old toller who’s been blind since birth and am starting over with his recall since reading your article. As he’s aged, he’s settled down a bit and I think we’re both ready now to get this right. Stage 1 started as more of a challenge since he can’t see me, but I’ve been shuffling my feet on gravel to get his attention listening & then running noisily and he’s running toward me. I clap my hands to make it easier to find me. This is moving along well so far & I want to thank you for your articles and book. Though he’s not a labrador, he’s a retriever and food is a huge motivator for him.
Well done.

By: Diane Stuhlmann

Diane Stuhlmann — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 12:03:18 +0000

I have an older dog and would very much like to use your method to train a reliable recalll. Lucy-Mae is very food motivated. In stage one of your process, she won’t leave my side if I have Excellent treats. What should I do? I can’t walk away from her as she is circling around me. Suggestions? Love your articles. Looking forward to having your book.