Why Adolescent Dogs Forget Recall and How to Rebuild It
Updated: 3 days ago
Your dog used to spin round and race back the moment you called. Now they look at you, have a little think about it, and choose the rabbit. When recall falls apart in adolescence it can feel really personal, and worrying, but it isn't personal at all. It's like everything they've ever learnt has fallen out of their head for a while, and the good thing is it pops back in again, especially if you rebuild it the right way. So here's why it happens and how I'd get it back.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Recall often falls apart in adolescence because your dog's world has become more exciting while their self-control is still developing. The recall is still there, it's just harder for them to use. Rebuild it by going back to easy places, using a long line, rewarding every return with something brilliant, calling once and not repeating, and avoiding situations where your dog is likely to ignore you. Don't punish slow recalls. Make coming back the best thing that happens on the walk.
STRUGGLING WITH THIS RIGHT NOW?
You don't have to work this out on your own
If your teenage dog has started ignoring you when you call, Puppy Club walks you through it step by step.
ā Lessons on what's really going on in the teenage brain
ā An adolescent survival guide, with routine and rest
ā Recall and manners rebuilt step by step
Online, at your own pace. 14-day money-back guarantee.
Why recall falls apart in adolescence
1. The world got more interesting
Smells, other dogs and wildlife have become far more rewarding. Hormones play a part in this too.
2. Self-control is still developing
The parts of the brain that handle impulse control are still maturing, so your dog finds it harder to turn away from something exciting.
3. Confidence grows
Adolescent dogs want to explore further from you. That's normal, but it stretches recall.
4. Repeated calling weakens the cue
If your dog hears "come, come, come" and nothing happens, the word starts to lose its meaning.
5. Coming back may have become less fun
If recall often means the end of play, going back on the lead or being told off, your dog learns that coming back isn't worth it. From their side, why would they? So I make sure coming back is the best thing that happens on the walk, and most of the time they get to go straight back off and play again.
How to rebuild recall
1. Start again somewhere easy
Practise at home and in the garden. Call once, reward generously, and let them go back to what they were doing.
2. Use a long line
A long line gives your dog freedom while keeping them safe, and stops them practising running off.
3. Use your best rewards
Small pieces of chicken, cheese, a favourite toy or a chase game. Recall needs the very best you've got.
4. Call once
Say your recall cue once. If your dog doesn't respond, move away, make an interesting noise or go and get them calmly, then make it easier next time.
5. Build distance before distraction
Get a great recall at short distance first. Then add distance. Add distractions last, and only a little at a time.
6. Make coming back the best part
Reward, then let them go and play again. Recall should mean good things happen, not that the fun ends.
Common recall mistakes
Calling over and over
Only calling at the end of the walk
Telling your dog off when they finally come back
Letting them off lead too soon in exciting places
Chasing after them, which can turn into a game
When can my dog go off lead again?
When they're coming back reliably on a long line in the place you want to let them off, with the distractions you're likely to meet. Build back up one place at a time.
RENEE'S TIP
Play "find me" games in the garden. Hide behind a tree or around a corner, call once, and have a party when your dog finds you. It builds a recall your dog loves.
QUICK CHECK
ā Recall isn't forgotten, it's harder to use
ā Long line for safety
ā Call once, reward big
ā Distance before distraction
ā Don't punish slow recalls
ā Let them go and play again after coming back
PAWS PUPPY CLUB
One trusted plan for your puppy
Every Puppy Club
ā A roadmap for each common puppy problem, so you pick the one you need
ā 75+ training videos and 30+ demos
ā 25+ downloadable guides
ā Lexi's Puppy Diaries
Plus and Coaching add
ā Ask me your questions in the community
ā 1:1 sessions with me (one in Plus, three in Coaching)
Every option comes with a 14-day guarantee.
FAQs
Why has my adolescent dog stopped coming back?
The world is more exciting and their self-control is still developing. Rebuild recall on a long line with great rewards.
How do I fix recall problems in my adolescent dog?
Go back to easy places, use a long line, call once, reward generously, and add distance before distraction.
Should I punish my dog for not coming back?
No. Telling them off when they return teaches them that coming back isn't worth it. Reward every return.
When can my adolescent dog go off lead again?
When they come back reliably on a long line in that place, with the distractions you're likely to meet.
Does adolescent recall come back?
Yes. With patient, rewarding practice, most dogs' recall comes back, often stronger than before.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience Ā· National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Modern Training Guides and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
