How to Improve Your Dog’s Recall: Tips for Reliable Come-When-Called Behavior 🐾

Training your dog to come when called—aka “recall”—might be the most important command they ever learn. Whether you’re hiking off-leash, navigating a busy park, or simply calling them inside, a solid recall can keep your pup safe and give you both more freedom to enjoy life together.

At Walktail Hour, we’re all about joyful walks and confident canine connections. In this guide, you’ll learn how to improve your dog’s recall using science-backed methods, plenty of patience, and a few tasty treats.

Why Recall Training Matters
A strong recall isn’t just about obedience—it’s about safety, trust, and connection. Dogs with reliable recall are:

• Less likely to get lost
• Safer around distractions like traffic or wildlife
• Happier, because they get more freedom on walks and adventures

If you’re new to training, check out our post on basic obedience tips for beginners to set a strong foundation.

Step-by-Step: How to Train a Reliable Recall
Here’s how to build a strong “come” cue, whether your dog is a puppy or a seasoned sidekick.
1. Start Small and Indoors
Use a quiet, distraction-free environment (like your living room or backyard). Say your dog’s name followed by your recall word (like “come!”), and reward immediately with high-value treats.

🔑 Pro Tip: Use a happy, excited voice and crouch down to make yourself more inviting.

2. Pair the Word with Movement
Start walking or running backward as you call them. Most dogs love a little chase and will come running!

3. Reward Like You Mean It
Every successful recall should be rewarded with:

• Praise 🎉
• Treats 🦴
• Playtime with a favorite toy 🎾

The goal? Make coming to you more rewarding than anything else around.

4. Practice Around Distractions (Gradually!)
Don’t go from living room to dog park overnight. Level up slowly:

• Backyard with a long line
• Quiet park areas
• Around other leashed dogs

Need help with leash training first? Visit our loose-leash walking guide for extra support.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned dog lovers make these mistakes when working on recall:

• Repeating the command over and over (they learn to tune it out)
• Calling your dog for something negative (like bath time or punishment)
• Not rewarding enough (dogs need motivation to stay consistent!)

Tools That Help with Recall Training📌 Add these to your training toolkit:

• Long training lead (for distance practice)
• High-value treats (cheese, liver, or store-bought favorites)
• Whistle or clicker (for consistent cues)

We’ve rounded up our favorite gear in the Walktail Hour dog training essentials guide—don’t miss it!

When to Ask for Help

If your dog continues to struggle with recall—especially if they’re anxious, overly excited, or reactive—it may be time to work with a professional dog trainer. Positive reinforcement experts can help you troubleshoot and tailor the training to your dog’s needs.

Looking for more support? Explore our upcoming blog on how to choose the right dog trainer.

Final Thoughts: Recall is a Lifelong Skill

Improving your dog’s recall takes time, consistency, and lots of love—but the payoff is huge. A dog who comes when called is a safer, happier, and more connected companion.

📣 What’s your go-to recall trick? Share your tips in the comments or tag us on Instagram with #WalktailRecall!

More from Walktail Hour:

• How to train your dog to behave at restaurants
• Giving your greyhound a greyt life
• How to loose leash walking

How to Make the Most Out of a Post-Walk, Cocktail Hour With Friends

There’s something magical about that golden hour after a long walk—when your legs are pleasantly tired, your heart is full, and your crew is ready to unwind. Enter: the walktail hour. It's part wellness ritual, part social hour, and entirely worth doing right.
Whether you're gathering on a porch, a rooftop, or at the end of your favorite hiking trail, here’s how to elevate your post-walk, cocktail hour—and link up with the perfect products, tools, and brands to make it unforgettable.

1. Set the Post-Walk Mood With Comfortable Seating
After logging your steps, comfort is key. Opt for portable yet stylish outdoor furniture like the YETI Trailhead Camp Chair or the REI Co-op Outward Low Chair. Want something more permanent for your backyard setup? Outer creates weatherproof, modern patio furniture that's just begging for happy hour vibes.
To add ambiance, consider solar-powered string lights from Brightech or lanterns from Barebones Living to keep the party glowing after sunset.

2. Keep Your Crew Hydrated and Refreshed
Hydration is essential after a walk—but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring.  Liquid I.V. makes convenient electrolyte packets that blend seamlessly into sparkling water or mocktails. Want a zero-proof option with a botanical twist? Try Ghia or Kin Euphorics for adaptogen-infused drinks that feel fancy without the booze.
And for those ready to cheers, you can’t go wrong with Haus aperitifs, a bottle of Wölffer Estate Rosé, or pre-mixed cocktails from On The Rocks. Keep everything cool with a Corkcicle Eola Bucket Cooler or Stanley Adventure Cooler.

3. Serve Instagram-Worthy Snacks
No walktail hour is complete without a spread. Build a board with Murray’s Cheese or go fully curated with Boarderie, which delivers ready-to-serve charcuterie and cheese boards straight to your door.
Pair it with Rustic Bakery crackers, Divina olives, and a few sweet bites from Compartés Chocolatier or Seed + Mill for tahini-based treats that are as healthy as they are decadent.
Bonus: pick up a cutting board from Material Kitchen or Our Place for an elevated, photo-ready presentation.

4. Dress for Function and Fashion
Comfortable post-walk style doesn’t have to mean sacrificing fashion. Try a breezy set from Outdoor Voices or an athletic dress from Halara. For shoes, Allbirds or HOKA will keep your feet supported while still looking chic.
Top it off with a sun hat from Janessa Leoné or Wallaroo Hat Company, and don’t forget your post-walk glow—courtesy of Supergoop! sunscreen or a hydrating mist from Tower 28.

5. Add Interactive Elements to Keep It Social
Want to keep things interesting? Throw in a fun group activity like TableTopics or outdoor-friendly games from Sunnylife. For music, a Sonos Roam speaker ensures quality sound wherever you gather.
Feeling more low-key? Create a shared playlist on Spotify or queue up a walking route review on AllTrails to reflect on your adventure.

6. Keep It Sustainable
Go green with reusable cocktail straws from FinalStraw, compostable plates from Public Goods, or stylish napkins from Geometry.
Opt for low-waste brands like Simple Ecology and Zero Waste Store to reduce your footprint while still throwing a top-tier gathering.


Final Sip: Walk, Sip, Connect
Walktail hour is more than a trend—it’s a lifestyle rooted in movement, friendship, and mindful enjoyment. Whether you’re sipping a spritz, savoring a spread, or just soaking up the moment, the right brands can help you turn a simple hour into a standout experience.
So grab your walking shoes, text your group chat, and raise a glass--#WalktailHour is calling.

Want to feature your brand in our next roundup? Contact us to collaborate!