Dog Training – Recall Training in Cork

Recall Training in Cork

Dog Training – Recall Training in Cork

Does your dog ignore you the moment they’re off the lead?

Does your dog:

  • Pretend not to hear you at the park
  • Run off to other dogs or people
  • Only come back when they decide they’re finished

If so, you’re in good company. Recall is one of the most common things Cork owners ask me for help with, and it’s a skill any dog can learn.

german shepherd coming towards camera

I’m Lauren, and I teach recall through 1-to-1 training in your own home and on your own local walks, using kind, reward-based methods. No shouting, no chasing, and no gadgets that hurt.

Not sure if this is right for your dog? Have a free 15-minute chat with Lauren.

Why won’t my dog come when called?

Dogs don’t ignore you to be stubborn. They’re making a sensible choice: whatever is happening over there is more rewarding than coming back to you. The most common reasons are:

  • Coming back isn’t worth it. If “here!” usually means the fun ends and the lead goes on, your dog learns that coming to you is a bad deal.
  • The cue is worn out. Calling over and over when your dog is too distracted to respond teaches them that your voice is just background noise.
  • The world is exciting. Smells, sights, squirrels and other dogs are far more interesting than the person calling them away from those things.
  • It was never practised with distractions. Recall that works in the kitchen needs to be built up carefully before it works at the park.
Rottweiler coming towards the camera with a lead in its mouth

The most common mistake is to tell your dog off when they finally do come back. From their point of view, they’ve just been punished for returning, and next time they’ll be slower.

Where to start: three steps you can try this week

Make coming to you the best thing ever. Pick a short cue and use it only for recall. Practise indoors, and every time your dog comes to you, reward generously with something they really love (small, tasty treats or a favourite game).

Practise at short distances first. Call your dog from the next room, then the garden, and only when they’re reliably quick and happy to come do you add distractions. If they don’t respond, you’ve made it too hard, so go back a step.

Keep your dog safe while you build it up. Until recall is dependable, use a long line in open spaces rather than risking your dog learning that ignoring you pays off. Never call your dog back just to end the fun. Sometimes call them, reward them, and let them go again.

Joyful dog enjoying a run in a sunny outdoor park. Captured in motion.

When recall training needs more than a few tips

You may need more tailored help if your dog chases wildlife or livestock, bolts out of the house or garden, or seems anxious when off the lead. Or maybe you’ve simply tried everything and your dog still ignores you.

This is where 1-to-1 training really makes a difference. If fear or reactivity is part of the problem, my Behaviour Consults start with a full assessment so we can work out what’s really going on and build a plan that fits your dog.

How I teach recall training in Cork

Recall problems usually show up outdoors, not in a hall, so I come to you and work in the places where you and your dog actually walk.

  • In your home and local area. We start where it’s easy and build up to your real walks, so the changes carry over to daily life.
  • A plan built around your dog. I coach you as well as your dog and explain the “why”, so you can keep going on your own.
  • Clear notes, support between sessions. Printed session notes and step-by-step exercises mean you always know what to practise next.

Recall is a core part of my 6-week In-Home Obedience Course for dogs aged 6 months and over, and part of my Puppy Training for younger dogs. Most owners see real improvement within 2–3 sessions. See courses and pricing.

Real Results from Happy Clients

Eleanor and Charlie
Google

“We were over the moon with the improvements we saw even after the first session with Lauren.

We wanted a bit of training done for 23month old King Charles, Charlie, as we are looking to get another King Charles and wanted the new dog to learn from Charlie and wanted Charlie to be trained for the new born babies coming into the family too.

Couldn’t recommend Lauren enough Charlie is like a brand new dog after his 6 weeks training and we couldn’t be happier.

He’s so much more relaxed when people call to the home and his recall and listening is fantastic now couldn’t recommend anymore 10/10 and great money for the training and lessons we learned from it all.”

— Eleanor and Charlie, Cork City
Hayley, Dermot & Ollie
Google

“We can’t thank Lauren enough for the incredible difference she has made with our dog. Ollie is a large dog who used to pull constantly and be very reactive on walks, going out with him would often be very stressful. After working with Lauren, he is noticeably calmer, pulls so much less, and our walks are now so much more enjoyable. We have also been practicing recall which has improved massively.

We are absolutely over the moon with his progress. Lauren is amazing at what she does and we couldn’t recommend her highly enough. Thank you, Lauren! 🐾❤️”

— Hayley, Dermot & Ollie, Douglas
Liam, Eileen & Coco Bear
Google

“We are so pleased to say our little puppy successfully completed the Smarty Pup Obedience Course (3-6) months. Coco Bear really developed positive traits over the seven week course. Liam & I learned so much from our trainer Lauren, with her expert guidance and effective training techniques.

Lauren’s instructions were easy to follow. She demonstrated each technique before getting us to practice on our own. She always brought along printed session notes for us to practice with our puppy after each class. We found these notes really useful.

We are so grateful to Lauren for the diligence, care and kindness she showed to Coco Bear each week. Our puppy was smitten with her.

We would highly recommend Lauren from Planet Pup to train your pet.”

— Liam, Eileen & Coco Bear, Watergrasshill

See our other Google Reviews

How It Works

Getting started is simple, and it begins with a chat, not a commitment.

1. Have a free 15-minute chat with Lauren

Tell her about your dog: their age, what’s going on, and what you’d like to change. No obligation.

2. Choose your course and book

Pick the Good Dog Obedience Course, or a Behaviour Consult if Lauren recommends one. Spread the cost with Klarna if you’d like, paying in three monthly instalments at checkout.

Once you book, you will have access to Lauren’s booking calendar and will be able to book in at a time and date that suits you.

3. Lauren comes to you


The one-hour sessions take place in your home. You’ll learn step-by-step exercises with your dog in the place where the real-life challenges happen.

4. Practise between sessions with support

After every session you’ll get printed notes and exercises to follow, plus support between visits (by WhatsApp) if you get stuck. You’ll always know what to work on next.

Not sure where to start?

Or Request a Call Back

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Can an older or rescue dog learn recall?

Yes. Dogs can learn at any age. With rescue dogs, I adapt the pace and focus on building trust first, because a dog who feels safe with you is far more likely to come back to you.

02 When can I let my dog off the lead?

 Only in a secure area until your recall is dependable. In open spaces, a long line gives your dog some freedom while keeping them safe, and we’ll work out together when your dog is ready for more.

03 How long does it take to teach a reliable recall?

 It depends on your dog’s age, history and how consistent the whole household is. Most owners see real improvement within 2–3 sessions, but a rock-solid recall in exciting places takes ongoing practice. Your plan will tell you exactly what to work on each week.

Ready for a dog who actually comes back?

I train 1-to-1 in your home across Cork City and County. Get in touch for a free 15-minute call, tell me about your dog, and I’ll let you know how I can help.

Book your Good Dog Obedience Course or Puppy Training Course today and start seeing real-world results.

Or do you have a dog with more severe behaviour issues? See our Behaviour Consults →

1-2-1 training • In your home • Tailored to your dog

Still not sure? Request a Call-back

No spam. No mailing lists. Just a callback regarding your dog. We respect your privacy and never share your details.
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