Here’s a list of recall challenges from easy to hard. If you’re struggling with what to do next in your recall training, this might give you an idea about how to move forwards. Actively seek challenges after your dog has a reliable recall when it is safe! Make sure you reward reward reward, and never yell or punish your dog when they come to you (even if it’s taking a VERY long time). There’s a load of resources online about how to reward your pup for recall so make sure you’ve got a basic recall before you can challenge.
Can you recall your dog from…
- A dog approaching on leash
- Approaching something tasty on the ground (that they would normally eat)
- A dog approaching and staring straight at your dog
- A human approaching offering treats
- Birds/Squirrels at a distance (after your dog sees it)
- An offleash dog approaching slowly
- An offleash dog approaching quickly and staring at your dog
- While your dog is eating something tasty on the ground (after your dog has taken a lick)
- A human your dog knows and likes
- A dog your dog knows and likes
- Larger prey animal like Deer, Racoon, Cats, Porcupine
- Predators like Bears, Coyotes
- A human dressed in black, during dusk/dawn
- A human stalking dressed in black, during dusk/dawn, on your property
- A strange dog on your property
- Someone feeding your dog treats