How to Use a Paper Plate to Teach Recall to a Dog

Training a new dog can be difficult, especially if you aren't completely sure of what you're doing. However, if you focus on being consistent and patient, you'll find your dog quickly learning commands and following them with minimal prompting. One simple way to teach your dog recall commands like "sit," "stay" and "come" is to use some treats and a paper plate.

Things You'll Need

  • Paper plate
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find a flat, wide open space to conduct your dog training lesson. An empty park, golf course or lawn will work well so long as it has minimal distractions like animals and other people. If your dog has a tendency to run off when not on a leash, find an area that is fenced in so that if the dog runs away he won't go too far.

    • 2

      Crumble up a dog biscuit or other treat onto the paper plate and set the plate approximately three feet away from your dog. Stand next to your dog and remove her from her leash, if she is on one. Hold onto your dog's collar momentarily and tell her to "Sit." If your dog doesn't follow your command, place your hand on the dog's backside and lightly press down while saying "Sit" to give the dog an idea of what you want her to do.

    • 3

      Let go of your dog's leash, extend your arm forward toward the paper plate and say your dog's name followed by some variation of "Go get it." This shows your dog that he now has permission to get up and get the treat. When your dog begins eating the treat from the plate, encouragingly tell him "Good boy" or something similar while petting him. If your dog doesn't go for the treat, continue to say "Go get it" while holding onto his collar and slowly leading him toward the paper plate.

    • 4

      Tell your dog to "Sit" and "Stay" as you move the paper plate farther back from her by another three to five feet. Return to your dog's side and repeat Step 3. Continue to repeat Step 3 and move the paper plate backward from your dog an additional three to five feet each time she successfully follows your commands and gets the treat on the plate. By the end of your first session, you should have your dog walking between 40 and 50 feet to get to the paper plate with the treat on it.

    • 5

      Make time for dog training sessions at least three or four times a week. The more sessions you hold, the quicker your dog will get used to recall commands and doing them successfully. After a few weeks, depending on the dog, your dog should know the commands and follow them without the paper plate and treat incentive.