If your dog keeps wandering off on walks or seems to forget you exist the moment they’re off lead… you’re not alone.
This is one of the most common issues I see with dog recall training.
But here’s the key thing most people miss:
It’s not always a recall problem.
It’s an attention problem.
Your dog hasn’t learned to keep track of you in the first place.
Stop Your Dog Wandering Off on Walks
If your dog is constantly drifting too far away, ignoring you, or only coming back when it suits them…
Chances are they’ve learned that the walk is all about them.
Sniff here. Wander there. Chase that.
You just happen to be… somewhere in the background.
This is where a lot of recall training goes wrong.
Owners repeat “come” over and over again, but the dog was never really tuned in to begin with.
Instead of trying to fix recall in that moment, we need to build something underneath it:
Engagement. Check-ins. Awareness.
The Look, Turn, Catch-Up Game
This is a core method I use with clients to improve dog recall training in a simple, practical way.
And the best part?
It feels like a game, not training.
Here’s how it works:
- Look 👀 – your dog realises you’re not where they expected
- Turn 🔄 – they orient back towards you
- Catch up 🐕 – they choose to come back to you
That moment… when your dog notices, turns, and comes back?
That’s what you reinforce.
Not shouting. Not repeating cues.
Just rewarding the decision to reconnect.
Why This Works for Dog Recall Training
Most recall issues aren’t about the word “come”.
They’re about dogs not paying attention in the first place.
This game flips that completely.
- Your dog starts checking in more often
- They become more aware of your movement
- They learn that staying connected pays
- You rely less on repeating your recall cue
According to Dogs Trust, building attention and rewarding your dog for choosing to return to you is a key part of reliable recall.
This is exactly what the Look, Turn, Catch-Up Game taps into.
How to Start (Step-by-Step)
Keep this simple to begin with.
- Start in a low-distraction environment
- Let your dog move slightly ahead or become mildly distracted
- Quietly change direction
- Wait for your dog to notice
- Reward the moment they turn and come back to you
That’s it.
No calling. No pressure.
Just creating a reason for your dog to stay connected.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until your dog is too far away before changing direction
- Using it in environments that are too difficult too soon
- Not rewarding the check-in or return
- Mixing it with repeated recall cues
If your dog regularly ignores recall, you may also find this helpful:
Dog Not Coming Back? What to Do
Or if you want to build a more structured approach:
Dog Recall Training: Complete Guide
Safety First
This game should always be introduced safely.
- Use a long line if your dog isn’t reliable off lead yet
- Avoid high-risk environments (roads, livestock, wildlife)
- Build gradually before expecting reliability
For more on keeping your dog safe off lead:
If your dog is prone to chasing:
Make It Worth Coming Back
Reinforcement matters.
If coming back to you isn’t rewarding, your dog will choose the environment instead.
That could be: – smells – other dogs – movement – exploration
Make yourself the better option.
Browse recommended training treats
Want a Reliable Recall?
If you want to take this further and build a recall you can trust in real-life situations…
Check out my full step-by-step programme:
This covers everything from engagement and foundations through to distractions, distance, and real-world reliability.
FAQ
Will this work for dogs with poor recall?
Yes, but start in an easy environment first. This builds the foundations of recall by improving engagement and attention before adding difficulty.
Should I still use my recall cue?
Yes, but avoid overusing it. This game reduces the need to constantly call your dog and helps your recall cue become more effective when you do use it.
What if my dog doesn’t notice I’ve changed direction?
That usually means the environment is too distracting or the distance is too great. Make it easier and build up gradually.
Is this suitable for puppies?
Yes, this is a great early exercise for puppies as it builds focus and connection from the start.
Do I need treats for this?
Food is a powerful reinforcer, especially early on. Over time, you can mix in other rewards such as play, praise, and movement.
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