It’s incredibly common for young gundogs to become a little less reliable with recall around the five-month mark. One day they’re glued to your side… and the next they’ve discovered how exciting the world really is!
If your pup has suddenly stopped coming back on the first command when off-lead, don’t worry. This is normal, fixable, and part of healthy development. In this post we’ll look at why it happens and the best gundog-specific training tips to get your recall back on track.
Why Recall Starts to Slip Around 5–6 Months
1. The “Teenage Phase”
At around five months, many young dogs hit a confidence surge. They become braver, more curious, and more willing to test boundaries — including your recall command.
2. The Command Isn’t Fully Proofed Yet
Your pup may understand what “come” means at home or in the garden, but not yet in distracting environments like fields, woodland, or when a scent catches their nose. For gundogs with strong hunting instincts, this is especially true.
3. Too Much Freedom Too Soon
If a pup is allowed off-lead before recall is fully reliable, they may learn that roaming and ignoring cues is still rewarding.
4. Overuse of the Recall Command
If “come” gets repeated several times, a young dog quickly learns that responding on the first call isn’t essential.
How to Improve Recall in Your Young Gundog
1. Bring Back the Long Line
A 10–15 metre long line is your best training tool at this age. It gives your dog freedom while allowing you to guarantee the recall every single time.
- Say the recall command once
- If ignored, use the line to guide them back
- Praise generously
This prevents bad habits from forming.
2. Make Returning to You the Most Rewarding Option
Young gundogs thrive when returning becomes exciting and positive. Use:
- High-value treats (chicken, liver, sausage)
- A favourite dummy
- A quick play session
- Plenty of praise
Reward heavily for fast, enthusiastic recalls.
3. Recall Shouldn’t Always End the Fun
If coming back means the lead goes on and the walk ends, your pup starts delaying it.
Try this pattern:
- Recall
- Reward
- Give a release cue like “Go on then!”
This teaches that returning to you doesn’t mean the fun stops.
4. Start Building a Gundog-Specific Recall
Whistle Recall
Use three short pips on a gundog whistle. The sound carries better outdoors and stays consistent regardless of mood or tone.
About-Turn Walking
Keep him checking in naturally by changing direction without warning. A dog who is used to keeping an eye on you recalls more reliably.
5. Keep Sessions Short, Fun, and Frequent
A young lab’s attention span is short. Aim for multiple small recall wins throughout the day instead of long sessions.
6. Build a Habit of Staying Close
Don’t let a young gundog “self-hunt.” Instead, set walking patterns that teach him to stay near you:
- Heel → release → heel cycles
- Figure-of-eight walking
- Reward natural check-ins
This builds partnership — the foundation of gundog training.
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