Dog Recall Training: Why These Common Mistakes Make It Harder Than It Needs to Be
Recall is one of the most challenging life skills for many dogs, and dog recall training can feel especially tricky for Spaniels and Doodles. They’re clever, curious and naturally drawn to movement, scent and adventure. So when they spot a bird or a drifting smell across the wind while out in Coventry, Kenilworth or Leamington Spa, it’s incredibly easy for them to slip into “self-employed mode”.
The reassuring part is this: most recall struggles don’t come from stubbornness. They come from a handful of common, completely understandable mistakes that almost every owner makes at some point.
If you’d like a free guide that walks you through the top three recall-building steps I use with my training clients, you can download it here:
‘Top 3 Steps to Stop Your Spaniel or Doodle Going ‘Self-Employed’ – Download
Below are the top 10 recall mistakes I see most often, especially in Spaniels and Doodles, and what you can do instead.
Top Mistakes in Dog Recall Training
1. Calling your dog when they’re busy
If your dog’s nose is glued to the ground, mid-sprint or chasing movement, they’re locked into a behaviour sequence that’s hard to interrupt.
Try this:
Wait for a natural pause, a head turn or a moment when their brain is a little quieter. That’s your window. Capture it.
2. Using the recall cue too often
Repeating the cue teaches your dog that it isn’t urgent. We need to stop nagging our dogs!
Try this:
Call once, reward generously, then let them go again.
3. Calling them back for something they don’t enjoy
Baths, injections, going home, or going on the lead… if recall always predicts the end of fun, dogs learn to avoid it.
Try this:
Call them back for rewards, games and freedom far more than you call them back to end the walk.
This is one of the most common challenges I see in dog recall training, especially for highly driven breeds like Spaniels and Doodles.
4. Not rewarding enough
Food might not be the best motivator.
Envy thrives on movement. Maisie loves trick-style rewards. Eric needed quiet encouragement.
Try this:
Find the reinforcer your dog cares most about outdoors, which is not always what we think it will be.
5. Letting your dog rehearse ignoring you
Every time your dog doesn’t respond, they’re rehearsing the opposite of what you want.
Try this:
Use a long line to prevent unwanted rehearsal while still allowing freedom.
6. Going into busy environments too soon
Practising in the garden and then trying a busy park is a huge leap, especially for Spaniels and Doodles who feel everything intensely.
Try this:
Move through environments gradually. Quiet fields, quieter parks, quiet times of day.
If you’d like more help building those foundations, you can download my free guide here:
Top 3 Steps to Stop your Spaniel or Doodle going ‘Self Employed’
7. Calling your dog when they’re overwhelmed
A worried or overstimulated dog can’t think clearly.
Maisie used to scan constantly on certain walks when she was younger — recalls in those moments rarely worked.
Try this:
Pause, let your dog sniff and decompress. Recalls improve once emotions settle.
With the right foundations, dog recall training becomes much easier and far less stressful.
8. Using an unhelpful tone
A tense or flat tone can make dogs hesitate.
Try this:
Use a light, upbeat voice that invites connection.
9. Forgetting to practise “easy wins”
Many owners only call their dog in big moments, which makes learning harder.
Try this:
Call at simple moments. Reward well. Let them go again. Build a strong reinforcement history.
10. Expecting too much too soon
Spaniels and Doodles learn fast but their enthusiasm often outruns their experience.
Try this:
Break training into small steps. Keep sessions short. Celebrate progress.
What owners say about this approach
“Carrie’s recall freebie is absolutely fantastic. It’s clear, practical and rooted in kind, science-led training… A brilliant resource that delivers real value.”
— Nathan
“This little 3-step guide is simple to follow and makes such sense. Seeing how focused Carrie’s dogs are on her when out and about is such a testament to how well this works.”
— Lorraine
Helpful links
If you’re working on early foundations with a young dog, my 121 puppy training in Coventry page explains how I support new owners.
If you’re helping an older dog with recall, my 121 dog training in Coventry page goes into more detail.
For additional general advice, the Dogs Trust shares helpful recall information:
Download your free recall guide
If you’d like simple, practical steps to help your dog choose you more often on walks, grab your free guide here:
‘Top 3 Steps to Stop Your Spaniel or Doodle Going ‘Self-Employed’ – Download
