🐶 April Fools? Not When Your Dog’s Safety Is on the Line

Hey {{First Name}},

Today is April Fools’ Day, and while the internet is busy pranking people with “new dog breeds” like the Sasquadoodle or “bark-to-text” collars, we’re going to talk about something serious that can save your dog’s life—and still keep it fun.

I’m talking about recall training.

You know, that magical moment when you call your dog… and they actually come running back?

If you’ve ever called your dog in the park only to watch them sprint toward a squirrel instead, you’re not alone. I’ve been there.

And I want you to know—it’s fixable.

With trust, play, and a few clever techniques, your dog can become a recall rockstar (no pranks involved 😉).

Let’s be real. Sometimes, it feels like your dog hears you, thinks about it... and decides nah.
And on April Fools’ Day, that little sidestep can feel like they’re in on the joke.

But here’s the truth:

Let’s fix that—together.

✅ Start Small: Train in boring places like the hallway before trying a park.
✅ Use High-Value Treats: Think chopped chicken or that squeaky toy they love.
✅ Keep It Positive: Never use your recall cue to scold. That’s how you “poison the cue.”
✅ Make It a Game: Hide-and-seek, “Catch Me,” or even calling from room to room.
✅ Only Call When You Can Win: Don’t shout into the wind—set your dog up for success.

Make recall the party your dog never wants to miss.

Gather your family or friends into a circle. Take turns calling your dog, one by one.

Each time your pup runs to the right person, they get a reward.

It’s silly, fast-paced, and it teaches your dog to listen to different voices—plus it’s great social confidence practice. Bonus: Everyone ends up laughing.

I once watched a family play this with their three kids and a Golden Retriever named Moose.

Moose zoomed around like a pinball, tail wagging like crazy, and by the end of the week, he was responding instantly to every voice in the household.

That’s the power of playful practice.

When I adopted Willow, she didn’t come when I called. Not even close.

I remember running down the street in slippers, heart pounding, because she bolted after a cat.

We weren’t a team yet.
But over time, we built one.

The day she came running full speed to my voice—ears flopping, tail wagging—I cried.

Not because she came.
But because we trusted each other.

That moment? It wasn’t perfect. But it was ours. And it was enough.

If you’re feeling frustrated, just know: you’re doing better than you think.

Keep showing up. Keep training.
You’re not failing—you’re building. And it’s beautiful.

If your dog bolts in public, don’t panic—do this:

✋ Stop chasing—your dog thinks it’s a game.
🔈 Use your emergency recall word (something like “Ewok!”).
💨 Turn and run in the opposite direction—yes, run away.
🐕‍🦺 Drop to the ground and call excitedly.
🧀 Always carry a surprise treat stash (cheese cubes work wonders).

Practice it like a fire drill—once a week. It could save your dog’s life.

Want more stories like this, plus real-life dog parenting tips?

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Recall isn’t about perfection.
It’s about trust—that your dog will choose you, no matter the distraction.

So even if today your pup ignores your call, try again tomorrow.
Because when they do come running back, tail like a helicopter…
That’s not just training.
That’s connection.
And that’s everything.

The truth is, every recall success is a love letter between you and your dog—a quiet little "I trust you" in the chaos of life.

So keep building it. Keep showing up. Keep calling them back home.

We’ll be here cheering you on, every step of the way.💙

Wags & gratitude,
Mark
🐾 USA Dog Owners Association