Recall falling apart?

Do you remember the first time your dog came flying back to you on recall, ears flapping and tail wagging? That joyful, cinematic moment when all your hard training paid off?

Now contrast that with your adolescent dog pretending they’ve never heard their name in their life, sniffing a bush like their existence depends on it, or sprinting full tilt toward another dog in the park while you’re left standing like a lemon.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

Recall is one of the first things to fall apart during the teenage phase. It’s not that your dog is being naughty, it’s that their world has suddenly become much more exciting, distracting, and... sniffable.

As your dog hits adolescence, their brain is going through massive changes, particularly in the areas that control focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Pair that with a boost in confidence and independence, and you’ve got the perfect storm for selective hearing.

Ignatius was a recall superstar as a pup, but adolescence brought its fair share of hiccups. One moment he’d be glued to my side, and the next, he’d be trotting off like I didn’t exist. He wasn’t trying to annoy me, he was just a curious, confident little Dachshund with big opinions and a nose that didn’t quit.

A border collie running with a ball in its mouth

So we went back to basics. And you can too.

1. Start Fresh: Without Frustration

Don’t keep calling if your dog is ignoring you, it only teaches them that “come” means nothing. Instead, reset your expectations and treat recall like a brand-new skill.

2. Use a Long Line

A long line gives your dog freedom while keeping you in control. It also prevents those “oops, they’ve legged it” moments and builds safe habits.

3. Be the Best Thing Out There

You need to outshine the smells, the other dogs, and the squirrels. That means:

• Super tasty treats (cheese, chicken, liver paste)

• Favourite toys

• Wild praise and excitement when they come back

4. Practice “Surprise” Recalls

Don’t just call them at the end of a walk. Mix it up! Call them randomly, reward like mad, then let them go back to sniffing. This builds value and prevents the cue from becoming a “walk’s over” signal.

What to Avoid

• Shouting or chasing – This turns recall into a game, and not the kind you want!

• Calling in frustration – If you’re cross when they arrive, they’ll think returning makes you grumpy.

• Only calling at the end of fun – This makes recall the cue for “all the good stuff ends.”

Make It Fun Again!

Adolescent dogs thrive on games and novelty. Try recall hide-and-seek in the house, have family members take turns calling, or throw a treat party every time they return.

A recall isn’t just a cue, it’s a relationship. And rebuilding it now will pay off for years to come.

When to Get Support?

If you’re feeling stuck, I’ve got you. I work with clients and their dogs to troubleshoot recall issues, rebuild trust, and turn that “teenager with selective hearing” into a dog that comes bounding back with joy.