Training your puppy doesn’t have to be serious or boring. In fact, you will both enjoy training sessions more if you use as much variety as possible. Training in a wide range of situations also helps your dog understand he should listen to you no matter what is going on. Here are some of our favorite recall (come when called) games.

Hide ‘n Seek

You will need at least two people for this game. Have someone hold your dog in one room or area. Show your dog a treat and run off to hide. Running away will peak your dog’s interest in where you are going. At first you will want to hide in easier to find spots until your dog gets the hang of the game. Once you are hidden and have your treats and clicker ready call your dog. When your dog starts to come the person holding him should let go (unless your playing outside without a fence then the holder should quietly run behind the dog). If your dog seems confused the person holding him should help him find you. When he gets to you touch his collar, click and treat. Make a big deal out of praising your dog for finding you!

Away ‘n Back

This is an easy game you can play without even getting off the couch. All you need to play is your dog and a couple different types of treats. You will need one treat that rolls, such as dry kibble, freeze dried liver or even cheeseballs. The other treat should be something your dogs find very tasty (a higher value treat then the other one). Show your dog the treat that rolls. When he gets interested in it, toss it away from you. Say something like “ready, set, go!” right before you toss it. When he comes back, Click and Treat using the high value treat. This teaches him that you always have the best treats and it always pays off to come when called.

Volleyball Dog

You will need at least two people for this game, but the more the merrier! Everyone playing this game will need to have treats. To start the game, one person will hold the dog and one person will call. Stand about 10 feet apart or so to start with. Call your puppy to you, be really silly if you have to - jump up and down, bend over, pat the ground, etc. When the dog comes to you, pat him, grab his collar, Click and Treat. Now the other person will call the puppy back to them. While one person is calling the puppy the other person should not pet, talk to or give treats to the puppy.

Catch Me If You Can!

This game is best played in a fenced yard with your puppy off lead. If you do not have a fenced yard don’t risk having your puppy loose without a leash. Instead use a long line (15’ or more). Show your puppy you have a treat, quickly back up and call your pup. When he starts to come continue backing up, then allow him to “catch” you. Click and Treat then try it again. Backing away will encourage your puppy to come to you more quickly and is a good way to begin teaching this behavior.