Teaching a puppy reliable recall is like giving them a superpower – the ability to come back to you, no matter the distraction. Unfortunately, the task of teaching recall to dogs is no easy feat and there can be many reasons why your dog’s recall isn’t reliable. Hence why starting training for it during puppyhood is a wise idea.
If you've ever tried chasing down a zooming pup on a walk or tried to get them to bring back one of the best puppy toys that you've flung them, you'll know the value of mastering the recall command. But the key is not just in the command itself, it's in making it a fun and rewarding experience for your furry friend.
That's where Jenna Pellerito, who runs the The Future is Force Free Instagram page, steps in. She's a professional dog trainer who specializes in positive reinforcement techniques, and she's got a simple game that can turbocharge your puppy's recall skills.
The game is akin to a game of tag. Pellerito suggests starting indoors, where there are fewer distractions. You begin by giving your puppy a tasty treat (some of the best dog treats will come in useful) and then, you run away from them. As you retreat, make sure your pup sees you and the treat, and when they catch up to you, give them another treat. Then, repeat the process.
To find out why this simple game has an impact on teaching recall keep reading. Also, don’t miss out on watching this training hack in action below as well…
Why does this work? "Naturally, puppies are inclined to follow us. When we move away from them, they will likely chase after us," notes Pellerito.
"This game uses your puppy's natural desire to follow and builds a reinforcement history for them coming to you," she notes, "Building a reliable recall is all about history of reinforcement, so build up that history while your puppy is young and wants to chase after you anyway.”
This game essentially teaches them that coming when called brings good things, turning recall into a fun activity rather than a chore.
But what if your dog isn't a puppy anymore? Pellerito clarifies that while this game is initially targeted at puppies, it can absolutely benefit older dogs as well. Building a reliable recall is all about building a history of positive experiences, and the sooner you start, the better.
Whether your pup is young or is a mature dog who struggles with recall, Pellerito's game can be practiced indoors to establish the basics before venturing out into more distracting environments like parks.
