Why Recall Is Hard

Come is the hardest command to make reliable, and the reason is simple. Sit, stay, and heel all happen right next to you. Recall is the only cue that asks your dog to turn away from something they want and run back.

Most dogs ignore "come" because the word was ruined early. Picture the pattern: the dog is having fun at the park, the owner calls "come," clips the leash on, and goes home. Do that a few times and the dog learns a hard truth — come means the fun is over.