Coming when called is the most important behaviour a dog can learn. It’s simple to say and trickier to teach—yet deeply worth it. As a greyhound parent of Pepper myself, I’ve learned that a rock-solid recall turns walks into freedom and fun. Ready to make “Zoom back to me!” more than a cute pun? Let’s get cracking.

Why recall

Recall training keeps your dog safe, lowers stress for everyone, and unlocks more off-lead privileges where permitted. It’s also a brilliant mental workout. Short, focused sessions build trust—and that trust pays off at the park, beach, or bush tracks.

Foundations

Start indoors where distractions are light. Choose a unique cue: “Pepper, here!” or a whistle. Make it consistent. Pair the cue with something amazing—tiny soft treats, a quick game, or a joyful release back to sniffing. Keep sessions under two minutes. Stop while your dog still wants more!

Core steps

1. Charge the cue. Say your recall word once, then deliver a great reward as your dog turns toward you. Ten reps. Easy wins.
2. Add distance. Take two steps away, call once, mark (“yes!”) the turn, reward generously.
3. Change rooms. New room, same rules. Vary angles and your position (sit, kneel, turn away).
4. Use a long line. Move to a quiet outdoor space on a 5–10 m long line. Call once. Gentle guidance if they hesitate; big party when they arrive.
5. Release cue. Teach “go sniff” or “free” so coming to you doesn’t always end the fun.

Proofing

Dogs don’t generalise well. To make recall reliable, practise against gradually tougher “Ds”: distance, duration, distraction. Birds, other dogs, and ocean breezes compete with you—so scale rewards to match the challenge. Try roast chicken for harder reps and everyday kibble for easy ones.

Troubleshooting

• Slow response? Shorten distance and sweeten rewards. Then step the challenge back up.
• Dog stops halfway? Run backwards, clap once, crouch. Be fun, not loud.
• Comes… then leaves? Feed several small treats in a row, clip lead, walk a few steps, release to sniff again—so recall doesn’t always predict “game over”.
• Competing smells? Call only when you’re likely to win. If in doubt, walk closer, then cue.

Gear

A comfy harness or flat collar plus a long line is perfect for early stages. For narrow-headed breeds like greyhounds, a well-fitted martingale collar can help keep things secure on lead while you practise recall in safe, legal spaces.

Breed notes

Sighthounds are sprinters with incredible chase drive and fabulous manners at home. That combo means you’ll want extra management while recall is still cooking. Keep sessions upbeat and brief. Sighthounds also thrive on comfort; ensure gear sits flat and light.

Curious about the family tree? Read our profiles for Greyhounds, Whippets, and Italian Greyhounds. Shopping by breed? Explore Greyhound collars, Whippet collars, and Italian Greyhound collars.

Health

Most dogs live well into their senior years; many medium-to-large breeds comfortably reach 10–14 years with great care. Sighthounds in particular may be more sensitive to temperature changes, may have finer skin, and sometimes need extra dental care. If you notice stiffness, discomfort, or changes in enthusiasm for play, a chat with your veterinary team is wise. Keep recall sessions short, on soft footing, and matched to your dog’s energy that day.

Safety

Practise recall in fenced areas or on a long line until you’re getting near-certain responses. Be mindful of local off-lead rules and wildlife. Keep calls to a single cue—then wait. Repeating the word can dilute it.

Progress plan

• Week 1: 3–5 micro-sessions a day indoors. Ten reps each.
• Week 2: Backyard on a long line. Add gentle distractions (a placed toy, a scattered sniff spot).
• Week 3: Quiet oval at off-peak times. One tougher rep followed by two easy wins.
• Week 4: Maintain with surprise recalls on walks, then release back to explore.

Takeaway

Recall training is a habit you build together. Make coming to you the best deal in the world, and keep it fun. Over time, your cue will cut through wind, waves, and swooping magpies—okay, maybe not the magpies, but you’ll both feel confident and connected.