3 High-Value Rewards That Supercharge Recall Training

Getting our dogs to come back when called makes walks, park visits and busy days safer and far less stressful. Recall cues training is not just about picking the right cue word; it is about making the reward tempting enough to beat all the distractions around. Most dogs learn what recall means pretty quickly, but whether they choose to return depends a lot on what happens after they show up.

If coming back does not feel special, most dogs weigh their options and might stick with sniffing or chasing. That is why rewards matter just as much as the cue itself. The best rewards make recall worth it, even when other dogs, smells or wildlife are competing for attention. Below, you will find three types of rewards that turn recall practice into a moment your dog cannot wait for.

Why regular treats are not always enough

If treats always look and taste the same, most dogs eventually lose interest. Dry biscuits get boring, and a plain old “good dog” is rarely enough when there is more fun to be had somewhere else. The place you train in often works against you, new smells, wildlife, or other animals can all feel more tempting than your bag of dog snacks.

Whenever you call your dog, you are asking them to make a choice: give up play, a chase or a sniff, then head back to you. That is a big ask. If your reward is forgettable or does not match the effort, recall cues training will not stick.

The fix is simple. High-value rewards are more exciting and harder to resist than the environment around the dog. They replace boring biscuits and flat praise with something the dog really wants. That way, coming back feels like a win every time.

Food rewards that stand out

Food is still one of the strongest recall rewards, but only if you keep it interesting. Soft, smelly treats that come apart easily are winners. Pieces of cooked chicken, sausage, or cheese are all great options, especially when cut into small bits for quick giving.

Rotation is the secret. Switching up flavours and textures keeps your dog curious. Try chewy snacks one day, meaty pieces the next. It is all about surprise. Mixing, say, pieces of chicken with a few cubes of cheese gives your dog a reason to pay attention each time you call them back.

Food rewards should only appear for recall cues training if you want them to stay special. When your dog learns that coming back always means the tastiest reward, they are much more likely to make the quick, happy choice to return.

Recall practice at Paws Academy Dog Training often begins in quieter indoor spaces to set up success, then moves to parks and gardens so your dog learns to come back for great treats even with distractions. Using high-value foods helps dogs make the leap from controlled space to the real world, where there are so many tempting reasons to ignore a recall.

Non-food rewards that work just as well

Not every dog is food driven. For some, a tug toy, a favourite squeaky, or even the chance to sniff a certain patch of grass is more exciting than snacks. The key is knowing what your dog values most and tapping into that.

Non-food recall rewards can include:

- Quick games of tug or gentle chase

- Throwing a special ball or toy only after a successful recall

- Pausing on a walk to let your dog sniff a favourite spot

- Warm, happy praise with your best excited voice

- A scratch behind the ear or rough-and-tumble rub in a favourite spot

Watch what makes your dog truly light up. That is what should come out after a recall. If your dog adores a tennis ball, save it for practice. If sniffing a lamp-post is more their style, call them back and then give them the “okay” to go back to it. These non-food rewards are extra useful in busy parks or around other dogs when treats are tricky to use.

At Paws Academy Dog Training, group sessions often include games where each dog gets to pick their own best reward, helping you spot what will work in the trickier real-life moments outside of class.

Timing and delivery of the reward

No matter your reward, timing is everything. Give it straight away, as soon as your dog gets to you, so they link recall to something good. Late rewards make the connection weaker, especially in young or easily distracted dogs.

Keep treats, toys, or a happy voice ready so you are never fumbling. Bend down, praise at the right moment, and make the reward feel personal. If your dog bolts back but has to sit and wait for ages to be praised or get paid, recall stops feeling fun.

You can boost recall cues training by:

- Giving the reward the very moment your dog returns

- Keeping the session short and upbeat

- Using a mix of energy in your voice and body to match the excitement of the reward

- Ending with a quick, fun cue like spin or sit for an extra chance at success

What matters most is speed and joy. The more your dog feels recall is a celebration, the more likely they are to come back, even when it is windy or the field is full of distractions.

Results You Can Count On

Reliable recall does not happen in just a few tries. Each time you make coming back feel like the highlight of the day, your dog gets better at choosing you. Over several sessions, returning when called becomes a habit based on good feelings, not corrections or frustration.

Mixing rewards is your best bet. Food, games, praise and even a quick trip to a sniff spot all work together. Your tone, movements and timing mean as much as what you put in your dog’s mouth or hand them after they return. With a little creative reward thinking, recall cues training becomes a favourite game for both dog and owner, making every outing smoother and more predictable all season long.

Building consistent recall takes time, but choosing rewards that truly matter to your dog makes a real difference. Whether it’s a favourite toy, a warm voice, or a bit of sausage, returning becomes second nature when it feels good every time. Every dog learns in their own way, which is why our approach to recall cues training focuses on what works in real-life moments. At Paws Academy Dog Training, we make those everyday returns easier and more rewarding.