If you’ve ever stood in your backyard or at the local dog park in Eastern MA yelling your dog’s name over and over, you’re not alone. Teaching your dog to come when called, often referred to as “recall," is one of the most important (and often frustrating) parts of dog training. Whether you're in Boston, the North Shore, or the suburbs of Eastern Massachusetts, a solid recall can mean the difference between a stress-free walk and a full-blown chase down the street.
At DoodyCalls of Eastern MA, we understand how much you care about your dog’s safety and well-being. We're more than just your go-to for pet waste removal—we're part of the community, and we love helping local pet parents have cleaner yards and happier dogs. So let’s walk through how you can teach your Eastern MA dog to reliably come when called.
Why won’t my dog come when I call?
Before jumping into training tips, it helps to understand why your dog might be ignoring you in the first place. Here are some common reasons:
Your dog thinks something else is more fun. That squirrel, another dog, or even an interesting smell might be more exciting than what you have to offer.
You accidentally taught them not to come. If your dog only hears “come!” when it’s time to leave the park or take a bath, they might associate the command with something negative.
You haven’t practiced enough in real-world scenarios. Many dogs do great with recall in the living room but struggle when distractions are high—like in your Eastern MA backyard or at a busy trail in the Blue Hills.
Step-by-step recall training for your Eastern MA dog
1. Start at home where there are fewer distractions
Start in a quiet room in your house. Use a happy, inviting tone and call your dog by name followed by “come!” When they come, reward them with something amazing—a high-value treat like chicken or cheese, or their favorite toy. Keep it fun and positive.
Repeat this several times until they respond eagerly every time. Gradually add more distractions and change up the rooms to build reliability.
2. Practice in your yard or driveway
Once your dog is doing great indoors, move to your yard or driveway. This step is especially important for Eastern MA homes with unfenced yards. Use a long leash (around 15-30 feet) to give your dog freedom while still keeping control.
Call your dog, reward generously, and make it a game. Practice daily, and don’t rush to take the leash off until you’re confident.
3. Add distractions gradually
Dogs don’t generalize well, so just because your dog comes in the living room doesn’t mean they’ll do it in your Eastern MA neighborhood park. Add in distractions like other people, pets, or passing cars, but at a distance at first. Reward heavily for success and be patient.
4. Use the right rewards
Most Eastern MA pet owners don’t carry boring biscuits when out and about, but that’s exactly why many dogs don’t listen. Use high-value rewards, mix them up, and make it worth your dog’s while.
Also, reward every time during training. As your dog gets better, you can begin to vary the rewards.
5. Never punish your dog for coming to you
Even if your dog took forever to get back or rolled in something disgusting before returning, never scold them once they come. That sends a confusing message and makes them less likely to return next time.
Real-life recall tips for Eastern MA dog parents
Keep your tone upbeat. Dogs respond to positive energy. If you sound angry, they’ll hesitate or ignore you.
Practice at local Eastern MA parks. Places like Breakheart Reservation or Borderland State Park are great for practicing recall in real-world settings—but start with a leash!
Train regularly. Just like humans, dogs need consistency. Set aside a few minutes every day to reinforce recall skills.
Make “come” mean awesome things. Use it before meals, playtime, or a car ride, so your dog learns that coming to you is always a good idea.
What if nothing seems to work?
Some dogs, especially rescues or high-energy breeds, take more time to develop a solid recall. If your dog is consistently struggling, working with a local Eastern MA trainer can make a huge difference. And don’t feel discouraged, it’s one of the hardest commands for a reason.
In the meantime, it’s smart to keep your dog leashed in open areas. Better safe than sorry.
A cleaner yard helps with training, too
Believe it or not, having a clean yard makes outdoor training easier. A yard full of waste isn’t just a health risk, it can be distracting for your dog and a mood killer for you. At DoodyCalls of Eastern MA, we take the dirty work off your hands so you can focus on what matters: building a stronger bond with your dog.
Let us handle the poop scooping so you can enjoy your yard without the mess.
Ready to train your dog and keep your yard clean?
Contact DoodyCalls of Eastern MA today for reliable pet waste removal!