Module 6.14 Recall Games
Recall Games
Video 1:
Ping Pong Game – step one
The ping pong game is a fun way to build your puppy’s recall and engagement by encouraging them to move back and forth between rewards. Your puppy will chase a treat from one side to the other, and as they begin moving back towards you, you’ll pair this moment with your recall cue. As soon as they come in, reward them by throwing another treat in the opposite direction, creating a back-and-forth flow. This game helps your puppy learn to respond to their recall cue while keeping training playful and dynamic.
Video 2:
Ping Pong Game – On a different surface
You can also practise the ping pong game on a different surface if your puppy is finding grass too distracting. Grass can be full of interesting smells and sensations, which can make it harder for your puppy to stay focused in the early stages. In this case, switch to a simpler surface like tarmac to help them build the skill with fewer distractions. The exercise remains exactly the same, but by adjusting the environment you’re setting your puppy up for success before gradually progressing back onto grass.
Video 3:
The zig zag recall game is a great way to encourage your puppy to actively seek you out and respond to your recall. Start by placing food on the floor by your feet, and while your puppy is eating, quietly move away in a different direction behind them. As soon as your puppy finishes and lifts their head, use your recall cue to call them to you. By changing direction each time, your puppy learns to stay aware of your movement and quickly reorient towards you, building a strong and responsive recall in a fun, dynamic way.
Video 4:
The next step of the zig zag recall game is to slightly delay the food reward. Instead of having the food ready in your hand, wait until your puppy has fully reached you before taking the treat out of your bag. This helps to gradually fade out the visible lure and teaches your puppy to respond to the recall cue itself, rather than just coming because they can see food. By doing this, you’ll build a more reliable recall based on understanding and habit, not just the presence of a reward.
Video 5:
Part 2 – This is the game exercise of teaching your puppy to walk by your side but includes introducing a “go sniff” cue, giving them a chance to take a break and explore their environment. This helps balance focus and freedom, making the training more enjoyable and realistic for your puppy. You’ll also begin practising on a different surface, which adds a new layer of challenge and helps your puppy generalise the behaviour in different environments while still staying connected to you.
Video 6:
To teach a ‘U’ turn using your “this way” cue, start by placing a piece of food on your puppy’s nose and gently luring them around in a U-shape on the outside of your body. As they begin to follow the movement, pair it with your verbal cue “this way” so they start to associate the words with the action. Keep the motion slow and clear, allowing your puppy to stay with you, and practise until the movement becomes smooth and natural. Over time, you can begin to fade the lure so your puppy responds to the cue and your change of direction rather than the food.
Video 7:
As your puppy becomes more comfortable with loose lead walking, you can begin to introduce your “this way” U-turn cue into the exercise. Start with short sections of calm walking, then gently change direction using your cue and turn away, encouraging your puppy to follow. This helps your puppy learn to stay connected to you and respond to changes in movement, rather than simply walking in a straight line. By combining these exercises, you build better focus, responsiveness, and a more natural, fluid walking partnership.
Video 8:
As your puppy becomes more confident walking by your side, you can begin to slightly delay the food reward by removing the food from your hand. Continue to mark with “yes” (or a click) when your puppy is in the correct position, but now deliver the reward from your treat bag rather than directly from your hand. This helps your puppy learn to maintain the position without relying on the constant presence of food, while still reinforcing the behaviour and keeping the walk calm and connected.
Video 9:
Part 2 of fading the food out focuses on reducing your puppy’s reliance on visible rewards while keeping their engagement high. Begin by keeping the food out of sight and only rewarding after your puppy has made the correct choice, helping them learn to stay with you without needing to see the treat. As you practise, add in gentle ‘U’ turns during your walking, encouraging your puppy to follow your change of direction and stay connected to you. This helps improve their focus, awareness, and ability to move with you in a natural and responsive way.
Video 10:
The A to B lead walking game is designed to encourage your puppy to stay calmly behind you as you move in one direction. As you walk, focus on keeping your puppy positioned behind the line of your legs, and deliver the reward by placing the treat on the ground about a metre behind you. This helps your puppy learn that the reinforcement happens behind you, not in front, so there’s no need to rush ahead or pull. Over time, your puppy will begin to predict where the reward appears and choose to stay in that position, making loose lead walking more natural and relaxed.
