Does your dog come back when called—or do they decide you’re not interesting enough? Have you ever felt frustrated watching them run in the opposite direction, ignoring your recall cue completely? In this episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, we’re breaking down why recall is so much more than just calling your dog’s name and hoping for the best.

Many owners focus on teaching a recall command, but true recall starts long before you even call your dog. If they’re chasing sheep, jumping on other dogs, or disappearing out of sight, you’ve already lost that invisible connection. Recall isn’t just about bringing your dog back—it’s about keeping them engaged, safe, and wanting to stay close in the first place.

🐾 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why having a recall cue is pointless if your dog ignores you the rest of the time
✅ How to build a connection so your dog naturally checks in with you
✅ The dangers of letting your dog out of sight (even in familiar areas!)
✅ Why walks should be a shared experience, not just independent exercise
✅ How to make recall fun so your dog actually wants to come back

🎾 Activity of the Week: Middle!
Want a recall that’s fast, fun, and reliable? Teach your dog ‘Middle’! This brilliant game gets your dog running straight to you and into position between your legs, making recall exciting and rewarding. Tune in to learn how to teach it and why it’s a game-changer for recall training.

🐶 Exciting News!
🚀 The Reliable Recall online course is launching on 28th February! If you want to stop stressing about your dog running off and start enjoying off-lead time with confidence, this course is for you. Designed with fun, game-based training, it teaches your dog to love staying close and checking in with you—without boring obedience drills.

📢 Sign up now for 50% off before the pre-launch discount expires! Head to the website to grab your spot.

🔗 Links & Resources:
👉 Reliable Recall Online Course –https://lauracartercanines.com/reliable-recall
👉 Wags Without Walks Membership –https://lauracartercanines.com/wags-without-walks

🎧 Subscribe & Review!
Love the podcast? Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you found this episode helpful, leave a review—it helps more dog owners discover how to build a better recall and a stronger bond with their dogs!

#DogTraining #RecallTraining #HowToTrainYourDog #WagsWithoutWalks #HappyDog #ScentWork #DogEnrichment

Does your dog ignore you when you call them back? Have you ever found yourself shouting their name while they disappear into the distance? In this episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, we’re diving into the common mistakes that ruin recall—often without owners even realising it!

Many owners believe recall is just about training a cue, but the truth is, it’s about building a strong bond. If your dog sees the environment as more exciting than you, they’ll struggle to respond. From accidentally punishing your dog when they finally return to forgetting to reward them, this episode breaks down the biggest recall mistakes and how to fix them.

🐾 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The #1 reason dogs ignore recall (hint: it’s not stubbornness!)
✅ Why daily walks might be making your recall worse
✅ How to stop your dog from learning that running away is more fun than coming back
✅ The secret to making recall a rewarding, exciting choice for your dog
✅ Why engagement is more important than exercise

🎾 Activity of the Week: Sausage Tree!
Want to make yourself the most interesting thing on your dog’s walk? Try the Sausage Tree game! This simple scent-based activity taps into your dog’s natural foraging instincts, keeps them focused on you, and strengthens recall in a fun and rewarding way.

🐶 Exciting News!
🚀 The Busy Life, Happy Dog mini-course has officially launched, and the response has been amazing! This course is perfect for busy owners who want to fit effective training into their everyday routine—without needing extra hours in the day.
📢 Coming soon: Reliable Recall! This brand-new course will help you teach your dog to come back every time, no matter what distractions are around. Available in both online and in-person formats in Montrose, Scotland.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Busy Life, Happy Dog Mini-Course – Busy Life, Happy Dog – Online - Laura Carter Canines
• Reliable Recall Course (Online & In-Person) – Reliable Recall: Fun Games to Bring Your Dog Back - Laura Carter Canines

• YouTube Version of This Episode – https://youtu.be/_D39qVd4maM

🎧 Subscribe & Review!
Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you found this episode helpful, leave a review—it helps more dog owners discover the podcast!

#DogTraining #RecallTraining #HowToTrainYourDog #WagsWithoutWalks #HappyDog #ScentWork #DogEnrichment

Mornings can feel chaotic, but they don’t have to be—for you or your dog! In this episode, we’re tackling Mastering the Morning Rush with practical strategies to create a calmer, structured routine. From adjusting your dog’s expectations to using quick enrichment activities, these small changes can make mornings run more smoothly.

Plus, I’m sharing why my dogs don’t get breakfast and why that actually helps keep them calm! Stick with me—I promise it’s not as crazy as it sounds.

What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to set realistic expectations for your dog’s mornings
✅ Simple 5-minute activities to keep them engaged
✅ Why overexcitement happens—and how to prevent it
✅ The power of starting your day first

Activity of the Week: Scatter Feeding
This week, try scatter feeding to keep your dog busy and engaged while you manage the morning rush.

Final Day! ‘Busy Life, Happy Dog’ at 50% Off!
Want more quick, effective ways to keep your dog happy when life is hectic? My mini course Busy Life, Happy Dog is full of 5-minute activities designed for busy owners.

🚨 Today’s the last chance to grab it for just £9.99—50% off!
After midnight, the price goes up, so don’t miss out!

🔗 Busy Life, Happy Dog – Online - Laura Carter Canines

Coming Up in February: Recall!
Next month, we’re diving into Reliable Recall—with a brand-new mini course and podcast episodes dedicated to improving your dog’s recall through fun games and activities. Stay tuned!

🎧 Subscribe & Review!
Enjoyed today’s episode? Leave a review, subscribe, and follow me on Instagram / Facebook @LauraCarterCanines for daily tips and updates.

See you next week for more ways to keep your dog happy—no long walks required!