Few skills are more important than a reliable recall. Whether you're hiking on a trail, enjoying time at the park, or simply calling your dog inside from the backyard, teaching your dog to come when called can help keep them safe and strengthen your bond.
But recall training requires more than just repetition, it requires a reliable reward. To build a strong recall, you need rewards your dog truly loves. The better the reward, the more likely your dog is to choose you over distractions.
That's where high-value treats come in.
In this guide, we'll cover what makes a great recall training treat and highlight some of the best Pupford treats for recall training.
Why Recall Training Requires High-Value Rewards
Recall is often one of the most challenging behaviors for dogs to learn because they're frequently choosing between you and the rest of the exciting things going on around them.
Imagine your dog is playing with another dog, chasing a squirrel, or exploring a new environment. From their perspective, those activities are incredibly rewarding. If you want your dog to leave those distractions and run back to you, your reward needs to be worth it.
Using special treats reserved primarily for recall training can help create a powerful association:
Coming when called = amazing things happen.
Over time, this positive reinforcement helps your dog develop a habit of responding quickly and enthusiastically when they hear their recall cue.
What Makes a Good Recall Training Treat?
Not every treat is ideal for recall training. The best options typically share a few important characteristics:
High Value
Your dog should be excited to earn the treat. Strong smells and rich flavors often make treats more appealing.
Easy to Carry
Recall training happens everywhere, from your backyard to hiking trails. Treats should be convenient to bring along regardless of the weather, time, or place.
Quick to Eat
If a treat takes too long to chew, training momentum can slow down. Smaller treats or easily breakable rewards help keep sessions moving.
Consistent Quality
You want treats that maintain your dog's enthusiasm over repeated training sessions.
With those qualities in mind, here are some of the best Pupford treats for recall training.
Our Top Picks for Recall Training
The best recall rewards are highly motivating, easy to deliver quickly, and exciting enough to compete with real-world distractions.
At Pupford, we recommend having a mix of training treats and higher-value rewards in your training pouch. This allows you to reward everyday successes while also offering something extra special when your dog makes the right choice in a challenging situation.
Chicken Hearts
Pupford Chicken Hearts are a single-ingredient, freeze-dried treat made for moments when you need something truly high-value. Their rich aroma and flavor make them especially motivating for most dogs, helping you capture attention even in high-distraction environments.
Because recall is one of the most important and challenging behaviors to train, having a powerful reward on hand can make a big difference. Chicken Hearts are often used as a “jackpot” treat, something extra special that reinforces fast, enthusiastic responses when it matters most.
Salmon Training Treats
Pupford's Salmon Training Treats are specifically designed for training, making them an excellent choice for the repeated reinforcement needed to build a strong recall. Their small size allows you to reward frequently without adding a significant number of calories to your dog's day.
The salmon flavor also provides a strong scent that many dogs find appealing, helping maintain engagement throughout training sessions. Because they're small and easy to carry, they make rewarding quick and efficient, an important factor when marking successful recalls.
Cheddar Crunchies
Pupford's Cheddar Crunchies deliver a satisfying crunchy texture and savory cheddar flavor that many dogs love, making them a fun and effective option for recall training. Their bite-sized format makes them easy to reward quickly, helping you keep momentum during training sessions.
They’re also a great upgrade from traditional recall rewards like string cheese. While cheese can work in a pinch, Cheddar Crunchies are designed specifically for training, less mess, more consistency, and easier portion control without sticky fingers or fridge prep.
Peanut Butter Crunchies
Pupford Peanut Butter Crunchies are a simple, crunchy treat made with a flavor that no dog can resist. Their light, bite-sized texture makes them easy to reward quickly during recall practice, helping you reinforce the behavior the moment your dog turns and comes back to you.
Unlike soft or messy treats, these crunchies are clean to handle and easy to carry in a treat pouch, making them a practical option for everyday training sessions, walks, and outdoor practice. The satisfying peanut butter flavor also helps maintain engagement, especially when you’re working around distractions.
How to Use Treats Effectively for Recall Training
Even the best treats won't create a reliable recall without proper training techniques.
Start in Low-Distraction Environments
Begin indoors or in a quiet backyard where your dog can easily focus on you.
Call your dog once using your recall cue. When they come to you, immediately reward them with a treat and praise.
🐶Mastering the 3 D's of Dog Training: Distance, Distraction, Duration | Pupford
Reward Generously
Especially during the learning phase, make recalls highly rewarding.
Increase Difficulty Gradually
As your dog's recall improves, slowly introduce more distractions.
Practice in different locations, around new sights and sounds, and eventually around other people and dogs.
Use Jackpot Rewards
When your dog performs an especially difficult recall, surprise them with a larger reward.
Chicken Hearts are perfect for these jackpot moments because many dogs find them exceptionally valuable.
Never Punish After a Recall
Always make coming to you a positive experience.
Even if your dog took longer than you'd like to respond, reward them for arriving. You want your dog to believe that coming when called always leads to good things.
🐕How to Teach a Dog to Come When Called – Every Time | Pupford
Building a Reliable Recall Takes Time
Recall is not a one-time lesson. It's a skill that requires ongoing practice throughout your dog's life.
By consistently rewarding your dog with high-value treats, you'll strengthen their desire to respond whenever they hear their recall cue.
Whether you're using the irresistible taste of Chicken Hearts, the training-friendly size of Salmon Training Treats, or the delicious flavors of Cheddar Crunchies and Peanut Butter Crunchies, the right reward can make a significant difference in your training success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best treat for recall training?
The best recall treats are highly motivating and something your dog doesn't receive all the time, avoid using something like their daily meal. Many dogs find Pupford Chicken Hearts especially rewarding because of their rich flavor and aroma.
How often should I practice recall?
Short, consistent training sessions are usually most effective. Practicing recall for just a few minutes each day can help build a stronger and more reliable response over time.
Why isn't my dog coming when called?
If your dog struggles with recall, the environment may be more rewarding than the reward you're offering. Try practicing in less distracting environments, increasing the value of your rewards, and gradually building difficulty as your dog's skills improve.
💖How You Might Be RUINING Your Dog's Recall | Pupford
Recap: The Best Treats for Recall Training
A reliable recall can give your dog more freedom while helping keep them safe in everyday life. Like any behavior, it takes time, consistency, and plenty of positive reinforcement to build.
By pairing recall training with rewards your dog truly loves, you can create a strong positive association with coming when called. Whether you choose Chicken Hearts, Salmon Training Treats, Cheddar Crunchies, Peanut Butter Crunchies, or a combination of all four, having the right rewards on hand can help make every training session more successful.
Ready to start training? Sign up for our Recall Mastery Course!
