Podenco Health & Training - The infamous Recall!
A happy podenco running in a field attached to a long line (attached to the owner)
If you’ve welcomed a Podenco into your life, you already know they are unique dogs—independent, intelligent, and often deeply driven by their hunting instincts. While they make incredibly loving companions, one of the biggest challenges for many Podenco adopters is recall. Unlike some breeds that are naturally inclined to return at the sound of their name, Podencos have been bred for centuries to think, act, and hunt independently. If it’s a non-negotiable or a high priority for you when it comes to dog ownership, we would suggest a Podenco is not the breed for you. Adopters should be prepared for their Podenco to spend life on a lead in unsecure spaces – anything else is a bonus (that requires hard work and commitment!). Keeping them safe and secure is the number one priority, particularly after the effort that goes into rehabilitating these dogs and giving them a second chance at life.
What is Reliable Recall?
Many dog owners believe they have recall, but what they actually have is recall in low-distraction environments. Reliable recall means your dog will return to you every time, no matter the distractions—whether they see a squirrel, catch the scent of prey, or hear something intriguing. With a Podenco, achieving this level of recall is incredibly difficult because of their strong instincts. Even if they come back 90% of the time, that remaining 10% can be life-threatening if they are near roads, trains, or other hazards. This is why recall should never be taken lightly, and why careful training, secure spaces, and appropriate precautions are so important.
Why is Recall So Difficult for Podencos?
Podencos aren’t just any sighthound—they are also scenthounds and hearing hounds. This means they use all three of their senses—sight, scent, and sound—equally when they’re exploring the world. If a Podenco picks up on an interesting scent or spots something in the distance, their natural instincts can quickly override any training you’ve done. Unlike a Labrador or a Collie, they aren’t wired to work closely with humans in the same way, which makes recall a much greater challenge.
It’s essential to understand that your Podenco is not ignoring you out of stubbornness or defiance. Their instincts and genetics play a huge role in how they respond to the environment, and expecting immediate, consistent recall is setting yourself up for frustration.
The Importance of Safety
The risks of letting a Podenco off lead in an unsecure area cannot be overstated. Tragically, there have been cases where dogs have either escaped from what seemed to be safe environments, or were off lead without reliable recall and were driven by their instincts to chase or follow a scent. These situations can have devastating consequences, including accidents that could have been avoided. Even the most well-trained Podenco can become deaf to recall when their hunting drive kicks in.
Setting Your Podenco Up for Success
While true off-lead recall may never be 100% safe for a Podenco, there are many ways to give them freedom while keeping them safe.
Physical excercise
Podencos need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. The safest way to give them freedom while working on recall is by using a long line—a 10 to 30-meter leash (always attached to a harness, and never a collar) that allows them to explore while still giving you control. We do not permit extendable leads for our adopted dogs, as they can be dangerous for sighthounds due to their sudden stopping mechanism, which can cause injury. And if you happen to drop an extendable, it will bounce along and ‘chase’ the dog which can often spook them and cause them to bolt.
Other safe options for off-lead exercise:
Secure dog fields – These are enclosed spaces specifically designed for off-lead play. Many are available for private hire, giving your Podenco a safe area to run freely. Check fence height and gaps in and under gates before you let them off!
Secure gardens – If you have a fully enclosed space at home, this can be an excellent place to practice recall in a controlled environment.
Mental Stimulation
A tired Podenco isn’t just one that has run for miles—it’s one whose mind has also been engaged. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise and can help reduce frustration when recall training feels slow.
Some great ways to mentally stimulate your Podenco include:
Scent work – Hiding treats or toys around your home or garden engages their powerful nose and keeps their brain active.
Puzzle toys – Food-dispensing toys and interactive games are a great way to encourage problem-solving.
Enrichment activities – Snuffle mats, treat-stuffed Kongs, and even basic obedience training sessions can help keep your Pod’s mind occupied.
Building the Bond: The Key to Recall Success
A strong bond between you and your Podenco is crucial for recall. Without trust and engagement, no amount of training will override their instincts. Before attempting recall, focus on building a relationship where they see you as the most rewarding thing in their environment.
Here’s how to strengthen your bond:
Use positive reinforcement – Reward any check-ins or engagement with high-value treats, praise, or play.
Be the most exciting thing around – Engage in play, use a happy tone, and make yourself a source of fun and safety.
Keep training sessions short and fun – Podencos have a playful nature, and forcing long, repetitive training sessions can cause them to lose interest.
Use the long line – firstly with you holding the end, and then you can progress to having it trailing. Pick areas that are less likely to have loose prey – the beach is often a great option. And a wide open space (far away from roads) is much more suitable than a forest.
An engaged podenco in training
How Long Will It Take?
Podencos are not a breed that you can train for recall in a few weeks or even months. We ask our adopters to wait at least a year before even attempting to let your dog off lead. This gives your Podenco time to settle, bond with you, and build up their trust and plenty of time to practice lots of training. Some owners spend years working on recall and still never fully trust their Podenco off-lead in an unenclosed space—and that’s okay! Safety should always come first and there is no rush. A happy Podenco is a safe Podenco.
Should You Ever Let Your Podenco Off Lead?
For most Podenco owners, the answer is only in secure, enclosed spaces. Some Podencos may eventually be able to enjoy off-lead freedom in very safe areas, but this is never guaranteed. If you do decide to work on off-lead training, do so in a safe environment, such as a fully fenced dog field, and be prepared for setbacks along the way.
Podencos playing in a secure field
The Takeaway
Podencos are incredible, intelligent, and loving dogs, but recall is a challenge that should never be underestimated. Their hunting instincts, independent nature, and incredible sensory abilities make them far less likely to respond to recall than other breeds. However, by using safe exercise options, providing mental stimulation, and focusing on building a strong bond, you can create a fulfilling and happy life for your Podenco—whether they ever master recall or not.
Patience, safety, and understanding are key. And if recall never happens? That’s okay—because a happy, engaged and safe Podenco is always the ultimate goal.
With much love! The HFP team xxx
Article written by Gemma Eley
If you would like to adopt a Podenco you can see our available dogs here!