How to Train a St. Bernard to Come When Called
Training a St. Bernard to come reliably when called is one of the most important safety skills you can teach your gentle giant. Given the breed's patient temperament and moderate trainability, recall training is very achievable—but it requires consistency and patience, since St. Bernards mature slowly and can be stubborn. Their low energy levels mean they won't burn off frustration through exercise alone, making mental engagement during training essential. A solid recall becomes critical if your St. Bernard ever escapes during a walk or gets away from you at home, given their size and strength. This guide uses positive-reinforcement methods tailored to the breed's friendly nature, breaking recall into manageable steps you can practice during your daily 45-minute exercise routine.
Step-by-step
- 1
Start in a Low-Distraction Environment
Begin training indoors or in a quiet, enclosed space like a fenced yard where your St. Bernard won't be tempted to wander. Use a marker word (like "Yes!") paired with high-value treats—cheese, cooked chicken, or soft training rewards work well for this breed. Practice 2-3 short sessions of 5 minutes each daily to keep your patient St. Bernard engaged without overwhelming them.
- 2
Establish a Consistent Recall Cue
Choose a single word (e.g., "Come") and use it every time in the same upbeat tone. St. Bernards respond well to calm, friendly voices rather than harsh corrections, so keep your tone warm and inviting. Practice the cue only when your dog is already moving toward you or when you're confident they'll succeed, building positive associations.
- 3
Reward Heavily and Immediately
The moment your St. Bernard reaches you, instantly mark with "Yes!" and reward with a treat and enthusiastic praise. Given the breed's slower maturity and moderate trainability, consistent, immediate rewards are crucial for understanding the connection between the cue and the behavior. Repeat this 10-15 times per session, then end on a positive note to maintain their interest.
- 4
Add Distance and Mild Distractions Gradually
Once your St. Bernard reliably recalls indoors, move to a larger space and introduce minor distractions—a toy nearby, a family member standing at a distance. Increase difficulty by only one variable at a time, since the breed's moderate trainability benefits from incremental progress. Keep sessions short and rewarding to prevent frustration in this patient but deliberate breed.
- 5
Practice Recall During Daily Walks
Incorporate recall practice into your 45-minute daily exercise routine using a long line (20-30 feet) in an open area. Call your St. Bernard partway through the walk when they're naturally moving toward you, not fighting against you. Reward every successful recall enthusiastically so the behavior becomes rewarding rather than something that ends playtime.
- 6
Never Punish or Chase; Reinforce Obedience Only
St. Bernards' gentle temperament means harsh corrections will damage trust and recall reliability. If your dog doesn't come, calmly retrieve them without frustration and return to easier practice levels. Always reward every recall success—never call them over to do something unpleasant like nail trims or leaving the park, or recall will weaken over time.
Pro tips
- St. Bernards mature slowly—don't expect perfection before 18–24 months. Celebrate small improvements and keep training sessions short, fun, and consistent; a few minutes daily outperforms occasional long sessions.
- This breed's gentle nature means they respond beautifully to warmth and positivity. Use an excited, happy tone when calling and always make coming to you the best part of their day—never the end of fun.
- Pair recall training with your daily 45-minute exercise routine. A mentally engaged St. Bernard (through training) combined with mild physical exercise prevents boredom and reinforces obedience in the moment.
Frequently asked questions
My St. Bernard is a puppy and keeps jumping on me instead of sitting to receive the treat. Should I correct this?+
No—jumping is a common challenge in young St. Bernards, but don't punish it. Simply wait for four paws on the ground before rewarding, or redirect to a sit. Your gentle giant is still maturing (usually until 2–3 years old), so patience and consistency will shape the behavior naturally without damaging your recall foundation.
How long does it typically take a St. Bernard to have a reliable recall?+
Given the breed's moderate trainability and slow maturity, expect 8–12 weeks of consistent daily practice for a solid recall in a controlled environment. Generalizing to distractions and outdoor settings may take several more months. The breed's patient temperament means steady, predictable progress rather than quick breakthroughs.
My St. Bernard seems unmotivated by treats during training. What should I do?+
Try higher-value rewards: soft, stinky treats like cooked chicken, cheese, or freeze-dried liver work better than dry kibble. Also train when your dog is mildly hungry, not right after a meal. Since St. Bernards have moderate energy, keep sessions short (5 minutes) to maintain interest—mental fatigue can look like disinterest in this breed.
Can I train recall using a long line off-leash in a park, or should I wait until it's perfect indoors?+
Use a long line in parks once indoor recall is solid, but expect it to be slower in high-distraction environments. The breed's lower energy means they're less driven by external stimuli than some dogs, which helps. Always practice with the long line first so you can prevent failures and maintain the positive-reinforcement cycle.