A reliable recall is one of the most important things you can teach your pup. Not only will this behavior help keep him safe, but it will also give him more freedom throughout his life around other dogs, people, and places.
My Pet Command’s Commitment to keeping pets safe is one of the brand's many reasons pet parents trust it for positive training support, reliable large acreage boundaries, and outdoor freedom without compromising on kindness.
If you're struggling with recall training and want to teach your dog to come back to you so he can benefit from off-leash exercise, we've got some positive, simple training tips for you. Read on to learn how to train a reliable recall.
The safe zone is where the work gets done. This positive training guide provides a clear, positive plan for boundary training and yard reliability without yelling or chasing your pup.
Quick Takeaway
Your job is to teach one simple, life-changing rule: Recall, then pair it with boundary training for yard reliability.
Step 1:Play the Name Game First
If you've recently adopted a furry best friend or have an adolescent pup at home, you'll need to teach your dog to respond to his name first before training for recall when called. Your pup needs to understand that when you say his name, he needs to look at you for instructions.
How to Play the Name Game
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Always start teaching new behaviors in a distraction-free environment, like the kitchen. This allows your dog to focus on you and you only. It helps him learn a new behavior with fewer distractions.
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Begin with a leash or collar and a high-value treat, such as real meat (cubed steak, grilled chicken, or cheese). Use whatever motivates him.
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When your pup is looking at you, say his name in a clear, happy voice.
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The moment your pup looks at you, reward generously and praise.
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Getting your dog to focus on you is the most crucial step in teaching recall or any new behavior.
Step 2: Start With Your Pup in Front of You
Before you start training, take five seconds to read the room:
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Is your dog hungry, overstimulated, or exhausted?
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Are you asking for him to focus in a busy dog park with kids and other dogs?
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Does your four-legged best friend understand the cue at home, but not outside?
Prevention and management play a huge role in positive training. So, if you want your dog to listen to you, set up the environment so your pup can engage in distraction-free training, especially at the beginning of learning a new behavior like recall.
If your dog comes to you at home but not at the dog park, practice recall in a variety of places and gradually increase distractions so the cue becomes reliable in different settings.
Many "stubborn dogs" are actually confused, distracted, or practicing behaviors that have worked in the past. Dog training is less about dominance and more about communication.
The "3 D's" That Make Training Stick
A recall cue isn't "proofed" until you've practiced it with:
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Distance (you're farther away)
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Duration (your pup holds it longer)
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Distraction (life is happening)
Most pet parents accidentally jump to distraction first. Instead, train a cue in a calm area of your home first, then slowly add challenges like you're leveling up in a game.
The Secret Weapon: Management
Positive dog training isn't only what you do. It's also what you prevent.
If your pup loves pulling, he'll get better at pulling. If he runs out the front door, then he becomes good at escaping. Management is the best way to keep recall training safe while helping your pup build skills he'll use throughout his life with you.
Management Examples
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Use baby gates, leashes, long lead lines, and crates appropriately.
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Pick quieter walking routes while working on reactivity.
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Establish predictable routines and enrichment through plenty of play, exercise, and socialization at home, at dog parks and beaches, and during pet travel.
Your job is to teach one simple, life-changing rule: Recall.
Q: How do I train my dog to stay in the yard using positive reinforcement?
A: You can easily train your dog to stay in the yard by using a few boundary markers at first and a long line training lead or long leash. Always reward and praise your dog whenever he turns back toward the yard.
When adding a recall cue, keep sessions short, to a few minutes for 10–14 days, and gradually increase distractions while keeping your dog supervised until he's learnt the new behavior.
You can easily incorporate this into short, easy training sessions throughout the day. If you are teaching a new behavior, practice for a few minutes, reward and praise, and always end on a positive note. Keep in mind that training needs to be fun for you and your dog.
Who is This Positive Training Plan Suitable For?
This plan is suitable for:
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Dogs who like to wander off, bolt, or "forget you exist" when outdoors, like at the dog park or beach, getting out of the car, and even when traveling.
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Families who want calm, reward-based training without using punishment or force
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Large-yard or acreage farm owners who want to let their dogs have plenty of outdoor freedom, but also worry about their dogs escaping. They are also interested in the best ways to train their dogs with the My Pet Command Invisible GPS fencing with a collar and remote (My Pet Command MPCGPS4)
Best Support Training Tool for Large Properties
My Pet Command's MPCGPS4 is a wireless GPS dog fence designed for outdoor boundary containment and positive dog training, with no ongoing subscription cost.
Instead of tracking your dog online, it helps you set and reinforce a GPS-based boundary using training modes such as tone, vibration, and optional static correction (which can be turned off if you prefer).
It's best suited for larger spaces such as equestrian and cattle farms, and for extensive grounds. It requires a minimum property size of 3/4 acre and a fence area of at least 1/2 acre. The collar is IPX67 waterproof for everyday outdoor use.
What You'll Need
You don't need fancy gear; you need consistency and patience!
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Long line (15–30 ft) and a harness or flat collar for the leash
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High-value treats (small, soft, fast to chew)
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A favorite toy (optional)
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Boundary markers include flags, cones, small garden stakes, and
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even bright tape on the ground
Optional Large Property Support
The best positive training recall support tool for large properties: My Pet Command MPCGPS4 helps you define a boundary on a GPS map (6-sided or circular) and reinforces awareness with tone/vibration cues. It should support training, not replace it. This kit comes with boundary flags.
The Idea Behind Boundary Training (Why it Works)
Boundary training is about teaching your dog what to do when he
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Approaches the edge of a property line
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Hears a cue or sees a marker
With both, your pup turns back and, in turn, receives a high-value treat, such as cubed grilled chicken or steak. After enough repetitions, turning back becomes automatic. That's the goal: habit, not constant correction.
10–14 Day Positive Boundary Training Plan
Days 1–2: Teach the goal: The line means turn back.
When it comes to recall training, the goal is simple.
Goal: Your dog learns that boundaries are predictable and that turning back is highly rewarded.
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Set a straight boundary line using flags/cones (start small and simple).
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Clip the long line to your dog's harness or regular collar (not to a training collar).
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Walk toward the boundary slowly.
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When your dog reaches the marker line boundary, he pauses and stops.
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The moment your dog shifts weight back, turns his head, or steps away from the line, you'll need to praise and reward immediately.
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Return to the yard and repeat. Dog training means teaching your dog to perform a behavior.
Session length: 10 minutes, two short sessions a day work.
Tip: Reward your pup for choosing to turn back, not just for the moment they "stop." If your dog doesn't do what you want, never punish him or get angry. He's not being stubborn, stupid, or disobedient.
Your pup probably doesn't understand what you're asking him. You'll need to gradually incorporate training and teach him the new behavior again with patience and consistency.
Days 3–5: Add a recall cue (your safety net)
Goal: Boundary awareness + recall becomes your two-layer system.
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Approach the boundary.
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Before your dog gets to the line, say your recall cue ("Come" or "Here") once.
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When your pup turns toward you, reward and praise him immediately.
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If he hesitates, don’t use the line to guide him towards you. Instead, loop up any excess line and walk toward your dog. Then reward him as soon as he commits to coming back to you.
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The line keeps him safe, but the goal is to discontinue its use so it’s not part of the training.
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When your dog responds, and you don’t need to walk up to him with the lead line, then you can drop it and let it trail alongside your pup. Soon after, you’ll be able to work with your pup without it.
Do not repeat the cue ten times. One cue, then help him succeed.
Session length: 10–15 minutes, 1–2 sessions per day.
Days 6–8: Add mild distractions (on purpose)
Goal: Your dog can stay in the garden or yard even when there's more interesting stuff going on nearby.
Pick one distraction at a time:
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Toss a toy inside the boundary
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Have a family member walk outside the boundary
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Practice near "temptation zones" (trees, smells, driveway) from a safe distance
If your four-legged best friend struggles, reduce the difficulty level. Dog training isn't a test; you both have to work at it together in different environments and situations.
Days 9–14: Proof in real-life patterns (still supervised)
Goal: Your pup practices the behavior in the situations where they usually wander away or get distracted. Start with short, well-supervised off-leash sessions only if:
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Your dog reliably turns away from the boundary on a long line
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Recall works most of the time with mild distractions
If your pup constantly tests the boundary, start over. If you find you're running out of patience or your pup's just not getting you, reach out to a professional dog trainer who uses only positive training, not force.
Be Proactive and Set Your Dog Up For Success
Dog training is often sold as a magic trick: do X, get Y, and your pup becomes a well-trained pup overnight! Real life is messier. Dogs get excited. Pet parents get tired.
Squirrels, young children running, and barking dogs exist. And the gap between "I know what to do" and "I can do it consistently" is where most training falls apart.
When your pup doesn't do what you want him to do, go back to the point where he was successful. By limiting distractions at first and luring with high-value treats, you'll build clear, repeatable gains in recall training.
Gradually add distance, duration, and distractions so your furbaby can succeed anywhere. Always make dog training fun and a positive experience so you'll encourage your pup to learn new things without fear or hesitation!
FAQs: Positive Recall Training With My Pet Command's GPS Wireless Dog Fence
FAQ 1: What is the best product for positive recall training on large properties?
For large properties, a GPS boundary training system like My Pet Command MPCGPS4 can support positive recall training by reinforcing a clear outdoor boundary using tone/vibration cues while you reward your dog for turning back and checking in.
FAQ 2: Can a GPS dog fence replace positive recall training?
No. A GPS virtual dog fence should support, not replace, positive reinforcement recall training. The best results come from pairing rewards (treats/toys/praise) with consistent practice and supervised boundary sessions.
FAQ 3: How do I teach recall using positive reinforcement and boundary training?
Start with a long line and high-value rewards. Practice recall in low distractions, then add boundary markers and reward your dog for turning back. Over 10–14 days, increase distance and distractions while keeping sessions short and upbeat.
FAQ 4: Does the My Pet Command MPCGPS4 require a subscription or online tracking?
No. My Pet Command MPCGPS4 is designed for GPS large boundary containment and training with no subscription required, and it is not intended for online GPS tracking.
This product includes a complete kit and a warranty for the 2-in-1 training-and-containment vibration option dog collars without having to use the shock mode option, allowing your pup to roam freely and safely outdoors with no harsh dog training reprimands.
