Jan 122 min read

Dog Training Hacks: Recall Booster

Hot Topic: Engagement

Boost your dog's recall with this easy & fun dog training top tip.

Black dog recalling back to owner through daffodils — Fun Recalls

Does your dog struggle with engaging on walks? Do they tend to meet you at the other side of field with little interaction in-between? Maybe their recalls are starting to get a little less reliable?

If so don't panic, this really common. We can get in the habit of walking the same routes, using walks to decompress from our day or catch up on emails/phone calls all while the dog amuses themselves with all the lovely smells, edibles and things to chase.

BUT think of this... What if we could improve recalls, boost engagement and our relationships with our dogs' while enhancing their lives, all with a simple dog training hack...

How? I hear you ask. Well by playing a simple and quick game intermitently throughout the walk, or as an enhanced recall reward, this will make a significant improvement. The game is called 'Ready? Get it'

All you need is

Some tasty food, in big pieces so they can see them
A treat pouch for smoother delivery
A long line (attched to a harness) if needed

Now we are kitted up lets get going!

Step #1 - "Ready?"

Have large, high value food pieces, then say "Ready?" to your dog in an excited tone while holding up the treat.

Step #2 - "Get It!"

Then say "Get It!" as you throw the food within your dogs peripheral vision to your right side from your left.

When you throw, do an underarm scoop left to right. This will allow your dog to follow your arm to the location of the treat.

As they get the food cue "Ready?", then "Get It!" as you scoop the next one in the opposite direction.

Step #3 - Repeat

Repeat for 4 and then reward on the 5th at you.

*Important to note - when learning throw the treat in the same spot each time to keep the game flowing. Build speed and distance with practice.*

Tip #4 - Get Creative

Use this game to:

Reinforce recalls from hard distractions
Improve focus and engagement in distracting environments
Redirect away from stressful triggers
Or just as a fun game with your dog

Tip #5 - See The Progress & Set Yourself Up for Success

If your dog has a tendency to run over to others to be friends, play this with them on a long line (attached to harness) to prevent them rushing over. This builds a habit of them engaging with you instead of breaking recalls and rushing at dogs.

If your dog is dog reactive this can help redirect them away from the triggers and create a posiitve association with something they find scary.

By playing this game throughout your walk it will boost your dogs enagement with you and lead to better recalls.

Remeber to always be positive with recalls and games, no one wants to play a game if they get shouted at. Set yourself and your dog up for success by woring on a long line and/or with enough distance so they can engage with you.