Building a Dog Who Wants to Return

About this episode

This episode explores the complexities of dog recall, emphasizing the importance of understanding a dog's needs and building a trusting relationship.

What makes a dog choose to come back? Many people think recall starts with teaching the cue "come," but reliable recall is about much more than a single behavior. It begins with understanding the dog in front of us—their genetics, their needs, their motivations, and the relationship we have with them. In this episode, I explore what recall actually looks like beyond the cue itself, the foundational behaviors that support it, and the common mistakes that often get in the way of success. We discuss the importance of meeting a dog's biological and emotional needs, fostering check-ins and engagement, and creating an environment where returning to their person becomes a meaningful choice rather than a forced response. Whether you're working with a puppy, an adolescent, or an adult dog, this conversation offers a different perspective on recall—one that focuses less on control and more on connection. Because the strongest recalls aren't built on obedience alone. They're built on trust, understanding, and a dog who genuinely wants to return. Website Patreon YouTube Substack Facebook

People in this episode

Host: Nikki Ivey

Topics covered

• dog training
• recall
• dog behavior
• relationship building
• trust
• engagement

Keywords

• dog recall
• training
• behavior
• trust
• engagement
• biological needs
• emotional needs

More episodes of DogSpeak: Redefining Dog Training

• Beyond the Six-Month Rule · June 2, 2026 · 48 min
• Don't Train Me, Raise Me. (Part 2) · May 26, 2026 · 1h 11m
• Why Running Your Dog Ragged Isn’t the Answer · May 19, 2026 · 35 min
• The Hidden Cost of “Including” Your Dog · May 5, 2026 · 54 min
• Teaching Neutrality in a Stimulating World · April 28, 2026 · 1h 3m
• What You See Isn’t the Whole Story—It’s Just the Surface · April 21, 2026 · 45 min