Tips For Training A Stubborn Dog To Come When Called Off Leash

Calling your dog and having them sprint back to you—even in the middle of a squirrel chase or a game with another dog—is the dream of every dog owner. But for those with a stubborn dog, that dream often feels like a distant fantasy. Off-leash reliability doesn’t happen overnight, especially with dogs who are easily distracted, independent, or have learned that ignoring you pays off more than listening.

The truth is, even the most headstrong dogs can be trained to come when called. It’s not about dominance or force; it’s about understanding motivation, consistency, and timing. With the right approach, you can build a recall response so strong that your dog chooses to return to you over distractions. This guide breaks down proven strategies, common mistakes, and real-world techniques that work—no matter how stubborn your dog seems.

Why Some Dogs Ignore the Recall Command

Dogs don’t disobey because they’re “bad” or spiteful. They ignore the recall command because, in that moment, something else is more rewarding. For a dog chasing a rabbit, rolling in grass, or socializing with other dogs, coming back means giving up fun. If returning to you has historically led to the end of play, being leashed, or nothing particularly exciting, the dog learns that staying away is the better option.

Stubbornness is often a symptom of poor reinforcement history. Many owners make the mistake of calling their dog only to end an enjoyable activity. Over time, this conditions the dog to associate \"come\" with disappointment. The key to changing this behavior lies in reversing that association—making coming back the most rewarding choice available.

Tip: Never call your dog just to end play or put on a leash unless you’ve built a rock-solid recall foundation first.

Building a Reliable Recall: A Step-by-Step Approach

Training a stubborn dog to come when called requires breaking the process into manageable stages. Rushing ahead leads to setbacks. Follow this timeline to build trust, motivation, and consistency.

1. Start Indoors with Zero Distractions
   Begin in a quiet room where your dog can focus. Use a high-value treat (like chicken, cheese, or freeze-dried liver) and say your chosen cue (“Come!” or “Here!”) once. When your dog moves toward you, reward immediately. Repeat 5–10 times per session, multiple times a day.
2. Add Distance and Movement
   Once your dog responds reliably indoors, practice in a small, enclosed yard. Call from across the space. When they come, celebrate enthusiastically—use treats, praise, and play. Never call if you’re unsure they’ll respond; instead, go get them and restart in a less distracting environment.
3. Introduce Mild Distractions
   Practice near familiar people or toys. Keep sessions short and positive. If your dog ignores the cue, don’t repeat it. Instead, use a long leash (15–30 feet) to gently guide them back, then reward as soon as they reach you. This prevents reinforcing non-compliance.
4. Gradually Increase Challenge
   Move to busier environments like parks—but only after success in calmer settings. Always ensure safety with a long line until full reliability is achieved.
5. Maintain and Proof the Behavior
   Even after mastery, continue occasional surprise recall games during walks. Keep it fun and unpredictable so your dog never knows when “come” might lead to a jackpot reward.

What Rewards Work Best?

Not all rewards are created equal. For a stubborn dog, average kibble won’t compete with the thrill of sniffing a bush. You need high-value incentives that outweigh environmental temptations.

Reward Type	Best For	When to Use
High-value treats (e.g., meat, cheese)	Dogs motivated by food	Initial training and high-distraction areas
Toy or fetch game	Play-driven dogs	After recall in open spaces; use as a “reward round-trip”
Verbal praise + petting	Socially bonded dogs	Supportive reinforcement—never primary reward for recall
Freedom to continue exploring	All dogs	Rarely: release back to play after a successful recall (builds trust)

The most effective strategy combines immediate food rewards with enthusiastic praise and, occasionally, the chance to go back to what they were doing. This teaches the dog that coming when called isn’t the end of fun—it might actually extend it.

Common Mistakes That Undermine Recall Training

Even well-intentioned owners sabotage their own efforts. These pitfalls weaken the recall response and reinforce disobedience.

• Repeating the command: Yelling “Come! Come! COME!” teaches your dog to ignore the first few calls. Say it once, then act—either wait, lure, or use a long line.
• Punishing after recall: If your dog finally comes and you scold them, you destroy trust. No matter how frustrated you feel, reward the return. Address delays later through training, not punishment.
• Only calling to end fun: As mentioned earlier, this creates negative associations. Instead, call your dog and then let them go back to playing—this builds goodwill.
• Skipping foundational steps: Taking a dog straight to a busy park without prior training sets them up to fail—and reinforces ignoring you.
• Using an unreliable cue: Avoid using “come” casually. If you say it when the dog is already approaching, or when you know they won’t respond, the word loses meaning.

“Recall isn’t trained in the field—it’s built in the backyard. Every repetition shapes your dog’s decision-making.” — Dr. Karen Overall, Veterinary Behavioral Medicine Specialist

Real Example: Turning Around a Stubborn Border Collie

Max, a 3-year-old Border Collie, would routinely ignore his owner’s calls during hikes. He’d chase deer, disappear into woods, and only return hours later—exhausted and unbothered. His owner, frustrated, had resorted to yelling and eventually keeping him leashed at all times.

Working with a trainer, they started over. First, they practiced in the backyard with a long line attached. Max was called only when he wasn’t deeply engaged. Each time he responded, he received pieces of grilled chicken and a quick game of tug. After two weeks of daily 5-minute sessions, Max began turning toward his owner at the sound of the cue.

The breakthrough came when, during a walk, Max paused mid-chase after hearing “Here!”—not because he was forced, but because he expected something better. His owner celebrated, gave treats, and then said, “Go play!” Max darted back to sniffing bushes, now trusting that coming didn’t mean the fun was over.

Within six weeks, Max was reliably returning off leash in low-distraction areas. Today, he still gets the occasional jackpot reward—a whole hot dog—for coming in challenging situations. The key wasn’t discipline; it was making obedience more appealing than defiance.

Tip: Practice “recall and release”—call your dog, reward heavily, then say “Go play!” to reinforce that coming back leads to more freedom, not less.

Essential Checklist for Success

Use this checklist to ensure you’re setting yourself and your dog up for reliable recall:

• ✅ Choose one consistent cue word (e.g., “Come,” “Here,” or “To me”) and use it only during training or intentional recalls.
• ✅ Use high-value treats exclusively for recall training—keep them reserved and exciting.
• ✅ Train in low-distraction environments first before progressing to parks or trails.
• ✅ Use a long leash (15–30 ft) in open areas to prevent rehearsal of ignoring the command.
• ✅ Reward every single return—especially the first few seconds of reaching you—with enthusiasm and value.
• ✅ Never punish your dog for coming, even if they took 10 minutes to respond.
• ✅ Vary the reward: sometimes food, sometimes play, sometimes freedom to continue exploring.
• ✅ Practice randomly during walks—not just when you need them—to keep it a game, not a demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my dog runs the opposite way when I call?

This often happens when the dog has learned that “come” leads to something unpleasant. Stop calling. Instead, try running in the opposite direction while squeaking or calling excitedly—this triggers a chase instinct. Once your dog follows, stop, reward heavily, and build positive associations from there.

Can older or rescue dogs learn a reliable recall?

Absolutely. Age and past experiences don’t prevent learning, though they may require more patience. Rescue dogs especially benefit from predictable rewards and trust-building. Focus on creating safety and consistency, and progress will follow.

Should I use an e-collar for recall training?

Most experts advise against relying on e-collars for recall. While some trainers use them in specific contexts, improper use can damage trust and create fear. Positive reinforcement methods are safer, more ethical, and equally effective when applied consistently.

Conclusion: Patience, Persistence, and Positivity

Training a stubborn dog to come when called isn’t about control—it’s about communication. It’s about showing your dog that choosing to return to you is the smartest, most rewarding decision they can make. This doesn’t happen in a week, or even a month. It happens through hundreds of small moments where you prove, again and again, that listening pays off.

Every dog, no matter how independent or distractible, can learn a reliable recall. The method is simple: start small, reward generously, avoid punishment, and stay consistent. There will be setbacks—distractions win sometimes—but each effort strengthens the bond and builds reliability.

💬 Have a stubborn dog who’s learning to come when called? Share your story or tip in the comments—your experience could inspire another owner to keep going.