Dogs will often naturally check in with us, making sure they know where we are and moving back to us in between exploring their environment. This could be really subtle – a simple look towards us, or more explicit – running back to us excitedly. Practice paying attention to their behaviour so you can spot when they do it. We want to let our dogs know that this is a good behaviour to maintain, making it rewarding and connecting with them when they offer it – so they do it even more!

When walking your dog, praise and reward them every time they glance at you or run back to you. Your dog doesn’t need to make eye contact straight away in order for you to reward them – a glance towards your upper body is fine.

Stay alert so you don’t miss chances to reinforce this behaviour. It’s a habit-building exercise, so stick with it until your dog checks in with you regularly. You can gradually reduce rewards, but keep them coming now and then – remember, what gets rewarded gets repeated!

Checking in not only strengthens your bond, it encourages your dog to know where you are at all times. This means that when you recall them, they know exactly where to go.

Troubleshooting: if your dog isn’t looking at you at all, say their name or make a sound to get their attention, then reward them when they look at you. You can phase this out gradually once you get to a point where your dog is looking at you themselves, without you having to get their attention.

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You can play this game on or off lead. Simply throw a treat to your right, and once your dog has eaten it, call them back to you using their recall word. Reward them when they get to you, then throw a treat to your left and repeat.

This is a fun, simple exercise that most dogs really enjoy. It introduces some movement and the first little bit of distance to your recall training, as well as the idea that when your dog hears their recall cue and runs towards you, good things come their way.

Staying healthy: If your dog is fit and healthy you can build up some speed with this game. But if they are a bit less mobile or a growing puppy, they will still enjoy it at a slower pace.

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You need two or more people for this game, and everyone needs to be ready with rewards that your dog loves. Take it in turns to call your dog and reward them when they come to you.

Start with a fairly short distance between each another (perhaps 10 or 15 paces). As your dog starts to get the hang of the game, you can increase the distance a little.

This game is great fun for everyone involved, and most dogs really enjoy the social reward that they get from spending time with their favourite people and being praised as they reach each person.

Troubleshooting: if your dog is wandering off or not engaged, be sure to keep sessions short, no more than five or ten minutes. Also make sure your dog understands their recall cue by going back to pairing your cue with your reward. Is your reward motivating enough?

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