How I Trained My Rescue Greyhound for a Rock-Solid Recall

How I Taught My Rescue Greyhound Recall

A reliable dog recall — your dog coming when called — is one of the most important skills you can teach. For my rescue greyhound Jayce, recall training meant more than just obedience. It gave him safety, confidence, and the freedom to explore while keeping my stress levels low.

Whether you’re working on an everyday recall or an emergency “drop everything and run to me” recall, the principles are the same: make coming to you more rewarding than anything else in the environment.

Why Recall Matters for Dogs, including Greyhounds

Recall training is about safety as much as it is about freedom. A reliable recall can:

• Prevent accidents and injuries.

• Stop your dog from running into dangerous situations.

• Give them safe off-lead time where legal and appropriate.

For greyhound owners, recall training can be especially important. While many believe greyhounds can’t be trusted off-lead due to prey drive, the reality is that, with the right training and consistency, they can learn to recall which is an important safety tool if they ever get loose.

Here’s exactly how I taught my rescue greyhound a reliable recall.

Step 1: Build a Rewarding Relationship with the Cue

Objective: Make your recall cue exciting and valuable to your dog.

• Start indoors with no distractions.

• Say the recall cue once in an upbeat voice. Immediately reward your dog when they turn toward you or take a step closer.

• Use high-value rewards: special treats, a favourite toy, or even the chance to run and play.

• Keep sessions short and always end on a success.

This first stage is where your dog recall training begins to take root by teaching your dog that if they approach you when they hear the recall word, they are rewarded.

Step 2: Add Distance and Movement

Objective: Progress from “right in front of you” to “across the room” before moving outside.

• Step backwards as you give the cue — movement encourages following.

• Gradually increase distance.

• If your dog misses, reduce the distance and build back up.

This stage helps your greyhound learn that recall applies no matter how far away they are.

Step 3: Practice Outdoors in Low-Distraction Areas

Objective: Strengthen recall outdoors before introducing distractions.

• Choose quiet environments, such as an empty park or your backyard.

• Use recall in moments where success is likely, for example, when waiting at traffic lights during a walk.

• Reward any voluntary check-ins (like your dog looking at you) to build value in staying connected.

By doing this, you build your personal value to your dog and lay the foundation for a reliable greyhound recall.

Step 4: Add Distractions Gradually

Objective: Prepare your dog to recall even with tempting distractions.

• Start with mild distractions (someone walking past, a toy nearby).

• Only increase difficulty when your dog is reliable at the current level.

• If they fail, step back to an easier stage.

• Always set them up for success — call them when they’re likely to respond.

Common Dog Recall Mistakes to Avoid

• Repeating the cue: Say it once. Repeating teaches them they can ignore you the first time.

• Using recall to end fun: Don’t only call your dog to leash them up or go home. Recall and release them often so they don’t associate it with the end of fun.

• Low-value rewards: The reward must be worth more than the distraction. For Jayce, sometimes that’s a high-value treat, other times it’s the freedom to run.

• Poor timing: Don’t call when they’re mid-sniff or about to toilet; wait until they’re likely to respond.

• Overestimating ability: Just because your dog recalls at your local park doesn’t mean they’ll do it in a brand-new environment.

• Stopping practice: Recall is a skill you should maintain for life.

Key Takeaways for Dog Recall Training

1. Think of recall as an ongoing skill, not a one-time goal.

2. Set your dog up for success by choosing the right environment and timing.

3. Recall and release often so your dog doesn’t associate the cue with the end of fun.

4. Train based on your dog’s individual needs, not breed stereotypes.

5. Follow local leash laws and only allow off-lead time in safe, legal spaces.

Final Thought:

Training a rescue greyhound recall takes patience, consistency, and a commitment to making yourself the best thing in your dog’s world. With time, your greyhound can learn to come when called, even in distracting environments, giving both of you freedom and peace of mind.