The Praise Problem: Are You Accidentally Devaluing Your Recall?

1. Let’s Set the Scene

You’ve called your dog three times. They eventually trudge back to you, tail low, while you sigh and mutter, “Good dog…” through clenched teeth as you clip on the lead and walk away. Sound familiar?

We’ve all been there — the relief of getting your dog back overshadows everything else. But here’s what most owners don’t realise: what happens after your dog returns is just as important as getting the recall itself.

Dogs aren’t robots. They remember how an experience felt — the emotion tied to it. So if coming back to you means boredom, frustration, or the end of freedom… why would they want to do it again?

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2. Why Your Dog Might Think Recall Is a Bad Idea

When it comes to behaviour, dogs only care about one thing: does this lead to a good outcome, or a bad one?

And unfortunately, for many dogs, “Come!” has come to mean:

• “The fun is over.”

• “You’re about to go back on lead.”

• “We’re leaving the park now.”

• Or worse… “You’re in trouble.”

It’s no wonder so many dogs ignore us when we call — we’ve unknowingly made the cue something to avoid. That’s why, even once your dog knows recall, you still have to pay out. Praise, treats, play, access to more fun — something. Because let’s be honest… would you keep going to work if you suddenly stopped getting paid? I didn’t think so.

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3. The Real Power of Tone, Body Language & Energy

Here’s where things get tricky — and this was something I really struggled with in the past.

Owners often feel silly using a silly voice, playing recall games, or bouncing around like a kids’ TV presenter. But your dog doesn’t care about dignity. They care about how it feels to come back to you.

That means:

• Bright, happy voice (yes, the “squeaky one”).

• Crouching down, clapping, calling excitedly.

• Celebrating the return like they’ve just scored the winning goal.

Praise isn’t a tick-box. It’s a performance. Your dog is watching everything — and if your tone or body language says “I’m not impressed,” they’ll feel it. We have to be actors in those moments. Because when your dog races back to you and you match their joy, you strengthen that bond tenfold.

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4. Not All Rewards Are Created Equal

This was a big lesson I had to learn with Miku.

As a puppy, she would devour any treat I offered. I thought I had a food-motivated dog — easy! But as she got older, something changed. I’d bring cooked chicken, liver paste, all sorts… and she’d ignore it completely, grazing on grass instead like it was a gourmet salad bar.

The truth? Those rewards weren’t her currency anymore.

It wasn’t until I did some digging that I realised Miku valued freedom more than food. Sniffing, running, tug games — those were her jackpots. And when I started using those things as rewards, recall finally clicked into place.

Most owners think their dog is “being stubborn.” But often, it’s just that the reward being offered doesn’t hold value in that moment. Discovering what your dog actually loves — what lights them up — is a total game changer.

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5. How We Accidentally Undermine Recall (and How I Still Slip Up)

I’ve made plenty of recall mistakes with Miku — and truthfully, there’s one I still catch myself doing even now (because hey, I’m only human).

It’s when I call her, she locks onto me and starts racing back… and I go quiet.

I forget to praise.

I forget to cheer her on.

I forget to show her, in real time, that she’s made the right choice.

And Miku notices.

She’ll slow down, hesitate — sometimes even veer off. And in that moment, she’s telling me exactly what’s missing: confirmation. That emotional paycheck for making the right decision. Because dogs don’t just need rewards after the recall — they need encouragement during it, too.

That’s where praise comes in. I have to remind myself: I am her cheerleader. She’s made a brilliant choice, and it’s my job to reflect that energy straight back at her. When I remember to do that — to use my voice, my body, my joy — she flies toward me like I’m the most exciting thing in the world.

Because to her, I am. And that’s a responsibility I never want to forget again.

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6. Common Praise Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some quick fixes that could instantly level up your recall:

❌ Praising too late (the moment has already passed)

❌ Using a flat or frustrated tone

❌ Grabbing the collar or clipping the lead immediately

❌ Only praising when they’re perfect

❌ Assuming food is always the best reward

Instead, focus on connection. Celebrate every return like a win, even if it wasn’t perfect. That consistency builds long-term reliability.

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7. Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Say “Good Dog” — Mean It

Praise isn’t a filler. It’s a tool. It’s how we show our dogs that coming back to us is the best decision they could make.

And when that moment feels good — when it’s full of love, joy, and their favourite reward — they’ll want to do it again. And again.

So next time your dog comes flying back to you, meet them with energy that says:

“You’re amazing, and I love that you chose me.”

That’s what makes recall reliable — not just training, but trust.

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8. What’s Next?

Even with great rewards and perfect timing, recall can suddenly fall apart — and it’s more common than you think.

In the next blog, “Recall Regression: Why It Happens and How to Bounce Back,” I’ll show you why it happens, how to handle it, and how to get things back on track without starting over.

Setbacks are normal. Let’s tackle them together.