Dog Recall Training: How to Get Your Dog to Come Back Off the Lead (Part 2)

It’s such an amazing feeling watching your dog run free off the lead… unless of course, you’re dreading whether they’ll actually come back when you call!

That’s why recall training is essential.

If you haven’t already, make sure you read Part 1 of my Dog Recall Training series before diving into this — it covers the vital foundation work on the lead. This post builds on that and takes your training further.

How to Strengthen Recall Off the Lead

Here are some simple but powerful techniques you can start using right away:

🐾 Be the one to follow — Your dog should keep their eye on you, not the other way around. Walk confidently ahead and resist the urge to constantly call them. Pack leaders don’t fuss after the pack; followers keep an eye on the leader.

🐾 Change direction — If your dog runs ahead, quietly turn and walk the opposite way. They’ll quickly learn that you make the decisions and they need to keep up with you.

🐾 Don’t punish a late return — Dogs live in the moment. If they finally come back after the fifth call, they associate it with returning, not ignoring the first four. Telling them off only confuses them. Instead, call twice, then calmly walk away or put them back on the lead for a short while.

🐾 Remember their senses — When a dog is locked into a smell or sight, other senses can temporarily “switch off.” That’s why some dogs seem “deaf” when distracted. Be patient, stay calm, and re-establish leadership if needed.

🐾 Make yourself irresistible — Reward with high-value treats when they do return. The goal is to make coming back to you more rewarding than whatever else they were focused on.

🐾 Reaffirm leadership if needed — If your dog ignores recall in the park, calmly put them back on the lead and walk to heel for 10–15 minutes. This resets the dynamic, reminding them you’re in charge. Once they respond positively again, you can let them off.

The Recall Mindset

Recall isn’t about nagging or chasing — it’s about leadership, consistency, and making yourself the most rewarding option in your dog’s world. With practice, you’ll soon enjoy the joy of watching your dog run free and the confidence of knowing they’ll always return when you call.

🐾 Are you ready to make recall training easier? You’ll find step-by-step guidance inside my Dog Training DVDs and Online Courses — trusted by over 26,000 dog owners worldwide. And remember to scroll back up to grab your FREE eBook, packed with kind, proven methods to stop pulling, aggression, and unwanted behaviour.