Coming When Called
Week 2
Full Class Instructions
Linda explains one of the most important lessons we will learn and continue to practice the next 6 weeks and beyond
Quick Notes
• Coming when called (recall) is one of the most important skills we teach — a strong recall can save your puppy’s life.
• The goal is that when your puppy hears their recall word, they immediately think: “I’ve got to go — something good is waiting for me!”
• We build this skill with a clear structure and repeat the same sequence for many months — well beyond the six-week class.
• Choose a specific recall word (ex: Come, Treat, Cookie, etc.).
If “Come” has already been overused or ignored, choose a new word.
If a word has negative history attached to it, change it.
• Dogs may not come when called for three main reasons:
Environment (outside is harder than inside due to distractions)
Breed tendencies (DNA influences behavior)
Past negative associations
• Breed tendencies matter:
Terriers were bred to chase and may be harder to teach recall.
Toy breeds often come easily because they like being near you.
Retrievers and herding breeds were bred to work with people and usually learn recall quickly.
• Expect recall to be easier indoors and more challenging outdoors — especially with distractions like other dogs.
• When your puppy arrives, we want them to sit (not jump).
• The 3-word recall sequence:
Say your puppy’s name (get attention first).
Say your recall word once they are looking at you.
Say “Yes” or “Good” while they are running toward you (not after they arrive).
• You must get eye contact before using the recall word. If they are not looking at you, say their name again first.
• Optional 4-word sequence (if preferred):
Name → Recall word → Come → Yes
• Consistency matters — use the same structure every time you practice recall.
Demonstration Part 1 - Ending Sit Sequence
Teacher Demonstration with puppy in class
Linda demonstrates the ending of the skill first as shown here, which focuses mainly on the sitting part of the equation.
Class Experience - Ending Sit Sequence
Practice at home!
Now it’s time for you to try with your puppy! This is just the ending part of Coming When Called, but our instructors choose to teach this part first!
Upload a video
Be sure to send us a video demonstrating this behavior as well so we can give you personalized training advice with our virtual video service.
Building the Foundation
Lecture/Instructor Demo - Part 2 Full Procedure
Things to Remember
• Always have a high-value reward when practicing recall.
• Use something special — not the same treats you use for sits and downs (cheese, chicken, hot dog, etc.).
• Only use this special reward for recall training.
• When your puppy hears the recall word, they should think: “This is the best thing ever — I’ve got to go!”
• If you do not have something special with you, do not use your recall word.
quick notes on the full Procedure
When Linda demos the full recall procedure with Penny, she shows exactly how the exercise should flow from start to finish. She teases Penny first to let her know she has something special, then runs away to encourage Penny to chase her. Before using the recall word, she makes sure Penny is looking at her by saying her name. Once Penny is running toward her, she marks the behavior with “Good,” lures her into a sit, rewards her, and then releases her. The entire sequence is calm, clear, and consistent — and it’s repeated the same way each time so the puppy learns exactly what to expect.
Class Attempts
This time, we had every puppy in class attempt the exercise on their own, take a look at the class puppies here to see how they succeeded and were helped along, it might be helpful to watch a demo with the same dog breed that you have at home!
Hoagie
Ruby
Winnie
Penny
Watson
Tahoe
kelce
The Promise
This is one of the most important foundational behaviors we teach and Linda wants you all to ensure you follow through with this skill correctly, listen below.
We need you to make a promise to us
Your recall word is special — protect it.
Only use it when you have high-value rewards (not kibble).
Never call your dog to you for something they dislike (nail trims, medicine, baths, ending outside time).
Protect the Association
Recall should always lead to something great.
If you must bring your dog inside, reward first and ask for a simple sit or down before transitioning.
Avoid chaining recall directly into something disappointing.
Follow Through
If you say the recall word, mean it.
Practice outside with a long line to prevent chasing games.
Make coming to you the best choice every time.