Puppy Recall: Teaching Your Puppy to Come When Called

Teaching recall early sets your puppy up for a lifetime of good habits. Puppies are naturally curious and easily distracted, which makes recall training essential — and easiest — when started young.

At Eazy Dog Training, we focus on building recall that grows with your puppy, from the home to the real world.

1. Start Before You “Need” It

Don’t wait for your puppy to run off before teaching recall. Begin training:

• Indoors
• In your backyard
• On short, calm outings

Early practice builds muscle memory and confidence.

2. Make Yourself the Best Option

Your puppy should think coming to you is the best choice:

• Use tiny, soft, high-value treats
• Celebrate with praise, play, or a quick game
• Occasionally, let them go back to exploring

If coming ends the fun every time, recall will weaken.

3. Keep It Short and Positive

Puppies learn best in short bursts:

• Call your puppy once
• Reward immediately when they arrive
• End the session before they lose interest

A few successful repetitions beat long training sessions.

4. Use a Long Lead Early

Practising recall outdoors on a long lead keeps your puppy safe while allowing freedom. It also prevents rehearsing running off — a habit that’s hard to undo later.

5. Avoid Repeating the Cue

Say your puppy’s recall cue once. If they hesitate:

• Gently guide them in with the lead
• Reward when they reach you

This teaches your puppy that the cue always matters.

6. Reward Engagement, Not Just Perfection

If your puppy:

• Turns their head
• Takes a step toward you
• Chooses you over a distraction

Reward it. These small wins build strong recall foundations.

Puppy Training Takeaway

Reliable recall starts with positive experiences, consistency, and smart setups. The effort you put in during puppyhood makes teenage and adult recall far easier.

Our Puppy School and private puppy training sessions help build recall, focus, and engagement from day one — before bad habits have a chance to form.