“It’s OK, He’s Friendly!” — Why Reliable Recall in Dogs Really Matters
“It’s OK, he’s friendly!”
If you walk your dog around Harrogate or Knaresborough, chances are you’ve heard this, or maybe even said it yourself.
But here’s the thing… friendly isn’t the issue. Control is.
Having a reliable recall isn’t just a nice extra, it’s one of the most important skills your dog can learn. More than that, it’s about being fair, respectful, and safe around other people and dogs — especially in busy walking areas, parks, and countryside paths. A couple of encounters I had today while out with a clients dog is what prompted this blog.
Firstly A Thank You (Because It Matters)
To the lovely lady who, on seeing the dog I was working with was on lead, quietly recalled her dogs and popped all four of them on lead — thank you.
Not just from me, but from the dog I was with.
She can be a little worried about other dogs, especially if they get too close. By giving us space, you helped her more than you probably realised. You allowed her to stay calm, to feel safe, and to continue learning that she has choices — including moving away when she needs to.
That kind of awareness makes a huge difference.
The Other Side of the Coin
To the person who had no control over the dogs they were walking… I’d love you to get in touch — because this is something that can be worked on.
The dog I was with today is also worried about close interactions. She was on lead… and wearing a muzzle. Both pretty clear signals that she needed space.
She had been doing brilliantly — able to walk past most dogs without too much concern.
But when your dog ran straight up to her (even after you were asked to recall), it likely set her progress back weeks.
We were actively trying to create distance. Turning away, moving off, managing the situation as best we could.
And when you called out that your dog had no recall… that was the moment it became clear we were out of options.
Why “Friendly” Isn’t Enough
This is something many reactive dog owners deal with every single day.
Dogs rushing over while their owners shout:
- “He’s friendly!”
- “She just wants to say hello!”
- “Don’t worry!”
But it is a worry.
Because the dog on lead may be:
- Nervous or fearful
- In training
- Recovering from a bad experience
- Elderly or in pain
- Or simply not interested in social interaction
Letting your dog run up to them can undo months of careful training in seconds.
Why Reliable Recall Is So Important
A solid recall isn’t about obedience for the sake of it, it’s about safety and choice.
When your dog has a reliable recall, you can:
- Call them away from other dogs
- Prevent unwanted interactions
- Keep everyone safe and comfortable
- Advocate for other dogs and their owners
Without it, you’re relying on luck — and that’s not fair on anyone else.
Reading the Situation Matters Too
Sometimes the signs are subtle… and sometimes they really aren’t.
If you see:
- A dog on lead
- An owner creating distance
- A dog turning away
- A muzzle (unless it’s an XL bully, sadly they have to wear them and they are often the biggest softies :0)
Those are all clear indicators that space is needed.
Even if your dog is the friendliest dog in the world, that doesn’t mean the other dog wants an interaction.
What You Can Do Instead
If you see a dog on lead approaching:
- Pop your dog on lead until you’ve passed
- Call your dog back and keep them with you
- Give the other dog as much space as possible
It’s a small action that makes a huge difference.
Struggling with Recall? You’re Not Alone
If your dog doesn’t have a reliable recall yet — that’s OK. It’s a skill that takes time and practice.
But it is something you can improve with the right approach.
Working with a reward-based trainer can help you build a recall that works even around distractions, so you’re not left hoping your dog will come back when it matters most.
Final Thoughts
“It’s OK, he’s friendly” comes from a good place — but it’s not enough.
What really matters is being able to call your dog away when it counts.
Because good recall isn’t just about your dog.
It’s about respecting everyone else’s.
If you’d like help building a reliable recall for your dog, feel free to get in touch — I’d love to help you get there in a way that’s kind, effective, and works in the real world.
