HQ Training Drill: Treat, Recall, Repeat - A Fun Recall Game for Dogs

HQ has approved a simple game that gets your Agent moving while sneaking in some natural recall training.

This drill is called Treat, Recall, Repeat. Throw a treat to one side, call your dog back once they have snaffled it, then send them towards another treat in the opposite direction.

Your Agent gets an energetic treat hunt. You get repeated opportunities to make returning when called feel rewarding. Everyone believes they have beaten the system.

What this drill helps with

Treat, Recall, Repeat gives your dog a chance to practise:

• Focusing on you before the game begins
• Responding to their name or recall cue
• Turning away from one area and returning towards you
• Following a release word such as “Go”
• Burning off a little physical and mental energy

What you need

• A handful of small, high-value treats
• Your Agent
• Enough safe space to throw a treat a metre or two in either direction
• Your dog’s name or usual recall cue
• A release word, such as “Go”

1. Prepare the treats

Choose small treats that your dog enjoys and can eat quickly.

2. Wait for focus

Stand with your Agent in front of you and wait for them to look towards you.

3. Send them left

Throw one treat a short distance to your left and say your release word, such as “Go”.

4. Call your Agent back

As your dog snaffles the treat and looks up for more, call them back using their name or usual recall cue.

5. Send them right

As they return towards you, throw another treat to your right and release them again.

6. Repeat the pattern

Continue alternating between the two sides, calling your Agent back between each treat.

7. Finish while it is still fun

End the game before your dog becomes tired, distracted or bored. It is showbiz, baby. Always leave them wanting more.

Commander notes

• Play indoors or in a secure enclosed garden, well away from roads and other hazards.
• Use small, high-value treats that can be eaten quickly.
• Keep the throws short and easy at first.
• Throw onto grass, carpet or another safe, non-slip surface.
• Do not repeat the recall cue several times. Make one clear call, then make the next return easier if needed.
• Keep the session brief and finish while your Agent is still keen to continue.

Agent difficulty levels

Level 1: Recruit

Throw the treats only a short distance and call your Agent as soon as they finish eating.

Level 2: Field Agent

Increase the distance slightly and alternate smoothly between the two sides.

Level 3: Elite Recall Operative

Wait for your Agent to return closer to you before releasing the next treat. Keep the game fast enough to remain rewarding and only increase the challenge gradually.

Try it with your Agent

Give Treat, Recall, Repeat a go and report back in the comments.

Did your Agent race back every time? Start predicting which direction the next treat would fly? Attempt to position themselves directly beside the catering department?

Leave a comment below and add a photo of the training operation if you caught one.

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