Following are some good ways to teach a reliable recall in a fun and happy atmosphere.

1) This recall game is a game for TWO people and a dog - it is best used with a young dog or puppy and played in the house, away from distractions. Remember with two people, be sure you both use the same recall command.

Here's how it works:

Two people sit opposite each other, about six feet apart. Each person has a clicker and treats.

Person "one" calls the dog using the recall command. When the dog gets to you, CLICK and TREAT and say "GOOD COME." Pet and Praise. Be excited and happy and give lots of happy hugs.

Person "two" calls the dog using the recall command. When dog gets to you, CLICK and TREAT and say "GOOD COME." Pet and Praise. Again, be excited and happy and give lots of happy hugs.

Do the recall about four or five times back and forth. You don't want to spoil things by wearing out the puppy. Make this a fun game. Always end your session on a high note, with the puppy eager for more fun.

Gradually increase distance between you. Eventually one of you could go into a different room and play the game as above.

2) This recall game is for ONE person - with the dog on a six-foot long leash. This game is good to use with an older dog. This is not as much fun as with two people, but it works and you can make it fun for the dog.

Here's how it works:

Take a treat and show it to the dog. Make sure you have his interest and attention. Toss the treat about six feet away and let the dog go to it and eat it. If you didn’t throw the treat far enough or the dog is too close to you, step away from him a little, while he is eating the treat.

As soon as the dog is finished eating the treat, call him to you and when he comes to you, CLICK and TREAT and say "GOOD COME". Pet and Praise. Be excited and happy, and remember to give him lots of happy hugs.

You can also call him to you anytime he is a distance from you and not necessarily paying attention to you. When he comes to you, CLICK and TREAT and say "GOOD COME". Pet and Praise.

If the dog doesn’t come to you on the first call, just give a little pop with the leash to remind him and get him moving toward you. It sometimes helps to run backwards a few steps to encourage the dog to catch up to you. Don't turn around and run, just run backwards while facing him.

It's a very good idea to do all of your initial training with a leash on your dog. If you don’t have a leash on him, just go and take him gently by the collar on both sides of his face and run backwards a few steps bringing him towards you while you repeat the recall command in a very happy voice. DO NOT BE UPSET with him, remember you want to keep the recall totally positive and happy. Be sure to say "GOOD COME" and Pet and Praise him when he gets to you - even if you have to coax him.

Once your dog is coming to you reliably with the initial recall games you are ready to move on to More Fun Recall Games. Remember, you can use the page numbers below to move back and forth between the recall pages if you prefer.