Recall
My dog doesn’t come when I call him.
free
First, quickly: does any of these apply?
If so, we’ll show you where to find the right help.
Does he run off in a panic, for example at bangs, and then take a long time to calm down?
Has he ever bitten a person or dog when out and about?
Is he suddenly coming more slowly or not at all, although it used to work, or is he moving stiffly or lame?
Does he chase wildlife, joggers, bikes or cars and then stop responding to you?
Please answer all the questions.
What helps today:
How it’s done: long line and a party
The dog sniffs on a long line attached to its harness. The person calls once in a friendly voice and runs a few steps away. The dog trots over, gets the best treat and may then go back to sniffing.
- Only let him off the lead where it’s allowed and safe, and only once the recall already works there.
- Until then: a long line of 5–10 m, always on a well-fitting harness, never on the collar.
- Only call when you’re fairly sure he will come. Otherwise go over and calmly collect him.
- Call once, in a friendly voice, for example “Here!”. As you do, run a few steps away from him instead of going after him.
- When he comes: a party and the best treat. Afterwards he may often go off again (“Free!”), so that coming back isn’t the end of the fun.
- Never scold him once he finally gets to you, even if it took a long time.
- Check the lead laws. In the canton of Zurich, for example, dogs must be on a lead in woods and along the edges of woods from 1 April to 31 July.
Why this happens
Outside, lots of things are more exciting than we are: smells, other dogs, wildlife. A reliable recall is built in many small steps. If being called has often meant “lead on, fun over”, coming back doesn’t pay off much for him right now.
Practise for the long term
- Recall game indoors“Here!” means: the best things happen with you
- Recall outside on a long lineSniff freely, come back safely
- Rewarding check-ins outsideEvery glance at you counts
- Name gameThe name means: “Look at me”
When to see a professional?
If it doesn’t get better, starts suddenly or worries you: a professional can look at your dog. An app can’t do that.
Where to find helpAs of: October 2026