If you’re looking for some winter tips on how to enjoy winter fitness with your furbaby, we’ve got some fun ideas for indoor recall dog training. Knowing how to teach a dog to come when called is important, and the winter months offer a good, low-distraction environment to start training recall.
When the weather is bleak and cold, you just don’t want to step outside. Those slippery walkways and freezing temperatures make safe, indoor recall training with dog training games the way to go. Here’s the takeaway:
Indoor Recall Training
We all know that one of the most important things that you can teach your pup is to come when called. This is called the recall. This training is important because it helps you build a relationship with your dog and keeps your dog safe.
Recall training keeps your dog under control when off-leash, in any situation, and provides an extra level of safety, whether at the dog park, the beach, or around strangers and other dogs.
It also helps if your dog escapes and you need to regain immediate control in a potentially dangerous situation, like when he's about to run across a busy street.
Indoor recall training is one of the most important ways of “proofing your pup’s response for a reliable recall to keep him safe when you head back to the dog park or beach.
How to Start
When you prioritize winter indoor recall training and teach your pup to come inside when called, you’re eliminating most of the high distractions of the outside world.
General tips for successful indoor recall training include being aware of your dog’s temperament and breed traits, and developing a positive relationship with him by using only positive reinforcement.
Make sure you offer high-value rewards, such as cubed chicken, cheese, or beef. For the recall never phase out the high-value rewards, ever, but you can also use fun games like a game of tug or praise with plenty of petting. Use whatever your pup responds to the most, and then do the following:
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At the beginning of training for recall, don’t say the “ Come” signal unless your dog is already running towards you. Pairing the word with the behavior helps your dog associate the correct behavior with the command.
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Only use the word “ Come” when you have high-value treats with you, and you’re able to reward immediately.
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Don’t reach out to reward your dog. He must come within a few inches of you.
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When you build on the recall cue, you can start adding distance between you and your pup.
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Never punish your dog for not coming or for coming over to you slowly.
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Always make sure that your pup knows his name before you start training.
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Be consistent with positive training and keep in mind that recall training takes time and patience.
Indoor Training Games
When you’ve mastered the basics, you can begin by “proofing” your recall through fun dog training games. Proofing is essentially the "pressure test" of dog training—it ensures that your pup’s response to "Come" is solid.
Just remember that indoor games with dogs have to be fun, rewarding and safe. These fun training games with dogs at home are the best way to practice obedience training without the stress of harsh winter conditions outdoors.
1. Hide and Seek
This is a favorite for both humans and hounds. Have your dog "Stay" in one room while you hide in another (behind a door, under a blanket, or in a bathtub!). Call their name, followed by your "Come" cue.
When they find you, throw a "puppy party" with high-value treats and tons of praise. This teaches them to hunt for you with their nose and stay focused on your voice.
This game changes a safety command into a rewarding puzzle, encouraging your dog to actively "seek" you out even when you aren't in their direct line of sight. It’s the perfect way to build a solid recall, ensuring that your pup learns to prioritize finding you over any other household distraction.
2. Obstacle Course Recall
Set up a mini agility course using cushions, chairs, and tunnels. Call your dog to come through the "obstacles." Navigating physical barriers while maintaining focus on your command is the best way to "proof" their recall for the unpredictable outdoor world.
This setup teaches your pup that "Come" is a priority even when the path isn't a straight line, mimicking the real-world challenges of navigating park benches or trees.
By successfully navigating a home DIY course to reach you, your pup builds confidence and learns to ignore environmental "noise" in favor of your voice.
3. Catch Me If You Can
This is a fun game where you get your pup to chase you. Get your pup’s attention and then run in the opposite direction, making funny sounds and gestures that you know will get your dog's attention.
As your dog is running toward you, say “ Come”, and when he gets to you, reward him with plenty of praise and a high-value treat. This game is particularly effective because it taps into your dog’s natural "chase" instinct—turning you into the most exciting target in the room.
By moving away, you eliminate the common mistake of chasing your dog, which often teaches them to run away; instead, you’re teaching them that running toward you is the most rewarding "win" they can achieve.
4. Chase the Ball
If your pup likes playing with a ball, then you can turn a simple game of fetch into a powerful recall training session. This is excellent for burning energy when you're stuck indoors.
The "Chase Me" Method: Instead of just throwing the ball away from you, try throwing it between your legs or slightly behind you.
As your dog runs to grab it, start running in the opposite direction! This triggers their natural "predatory" instinct to chase movement. When they catch up to you with the ball, reward them with a high-value treat or a quick game of tug.
MyPetCommand Long Range Training Collar
While training for indoor recall with fun games is a good way to build a solid foundation for the recall cue, you’re going to need to master distance recall outdoors and add distractions.
To safely bridge the gap for recall training, you’ll need to use a training tool with an audible tone or vibration setting (NO SHOCK) to pair your verbal cue, like the My Pet Command Long Range Training Collar.
Customizable Training: Use the 10 vibration levels to find the exact "tickle" that gets your dog's attention without scaring them. ( no shock option)
Safety Beacon: Features flashing night lights ( from 328 yards away) that are great for evening training sessions or low-light indoor environments.
Expansion Ready: The remote can control up to 3 collars, allowing you to train multiple dogs during the same game.
Professional Grade: Unlike cheap "beep-only" collars, this provides the reliability of a long-range antenna, ensuring your "Come" command works through walls and around corners.
Indoor & Outdoor Use: IPX7 Waterproof, ergonomic, and durable, allowing plenty of recall training indoors and outdoors. A wireless GPS dog fence for outdoor recall training is also a good option.
FAQ'S: Recall Training With My Pet Command No Shock Training Collar
1. Is it safe to use a training collar for indoor recall?
Absolutely. For indoor "proofing," you don't need to use the static shock function. High-quality systems like the MyPetCommand 1.25 Mile Dog Training Collar allow you to use audible tones or 10 levels of gentle vibration to get your dog's attention. This acts as a gentle vibration that reinforces your verbal "Come" command without causing stress or fear. Pair this with a high-value dog treat and lots of positive reinforcement, like praise and pets.
2. Why do I need a long-range collar if I’m training inside my house?
While your living room might only be 20 feet wide, cheap "no-name" collars often lose signal through walls or around corners. A professional long-range antenna ensures that your signal is instant and consistent during games like "Hide and Seek." Plus, once the weather clears, you already have the perfect tool for a 1.25-mile distance recall in open fields or parks.
3. Can I disable the shock feature entirely?
Yes! This is a major concern for many pet parents. The MyPetCommand system comes with non-conductive plastic prongs that you can swap in.
This physically prevents any static correction from reaching the dog, turning the device into a dedicated vibration-and-tone trainer—perfect for positive reinforcement enthusiasts.
4. How long does it take to see results with indoor recall games?
Most dogs begin to understand the "game" within the first 5–10 minute session. However, building a reliable recall that works every time takes consistency.
By practicing these indoor games daily during the winter, you are building the muscle memory your pup needs to ignore heavy distractions when you eventually head back outdoors.
Try to always incorporate positive training into your life for 15 minutes a day. Consistent training with variable reinforcements is important so that your furbaby won't forget his new behaviors.
You can also try varying the frequency and type of reinforcement during training sessions, but each session must end on a positive note, with your pup feeling good about himself.
