How to Use Treats for Recall Training Without Overfeeding
Recall training—teaching your dog to come back when called—is one of the most important skills you can master together. A strong recall keeps your dog safe on walks, strengthens your bond, and gives them the freedom to explore. Treats are an excellent way to motivate your pup, but many owners worry about overfeeding. The good news: you can use treats effectively and keep your dog healthy.
1. Choose the Right Training Treat
Small and low-calorie: Opt for bite-sized treats (pea-sized or smaller) with no unnecessary fillers.
High-value flavour: Save the “wow” factor—think liver, fish, or meaty flavours—for recall only, so it stays special.
Soft texture: Soft treats are quicker to eat, so you don’t lose momentum during training.
2. Break Treats Into Tiny Rewards
Even if a treat seems small, break it again. Your dog doesn’t care about size—they care about flavour and the fun of earning it. A single biscuit can become 4–6 training rewards, keeping calories in check.
3. Use a “Variable Reward” System
Dogs stay engaged when rewards are a pleasant surprise:
Start with a treat every successful recall.
Gradually switch to rewarding every second or third recall, mixing in verbal praise, a quick game of tug, or a favourite toy.
Occasionally give a “jackpot” (a few small pieces at once) for an especially speedy return.
This keeps your dog motivated while reducing total treat intake.
4. Pair Treats with Praise and Play
Combine tasty rewards with a cheerful “good girl/boy!” or a quick 10-second play session. Over time, your dog will respond just as happily to your praise as to the treat, allowing you to phase food out almost entirely.
5. Schedule Training Around Mealtimes
If you’re doing a big recall session, reduce your dog’s regular meal slightly to balance the calories. For example, cut dinner by a small handful of kibble to offset the training treats.
6. Keep Sessions Short and Positive
Two or three five-minute sessions are more effective than one long session. Short, fun bursts mean fewer treats overall and help your dog stay focused.
