Dick Russell Paper Plate Recall Races

Dick Russell Paper Plate Recall Races

About the Paper Plate Recall Races

There are many things that set the IACP conference apart from other dog-oriented conferences. One of them is that dogs are permitted to attend. Not only are they able to attend, but you can also compete with your dog in the Dick Russell Paper Plate Recall races.

This event has been ongoing for the past six conferences and has grown so much since its introduction, becoming one of the most looked forward to events held at the conference.

The event was started by Jason Vasconi, who has coordinated and refereed the races since the beginning. He was inspired by hearing that in the early days of the IACP, a longtime member of the IACP, the dog training legend, George Cockrell, would coordinate competitions between handlers and their dogs that were attending the annual conference. 

The Paper Plate Race is a simple game that anybody can teach their dog in a short period of time, that is also very exciting because of its elements of speed, precision, consistency and teamwork between handler and dog.  Making it the ideal game for a conference of dog trainers to compete at.

The late Dick Russell is the mastermind of the Paper Plate Recall Race. He wanted to teach his students a way to use an old retrieving dog exercise of sending your dog away from you to teach them to come back. So, by using paper plates as targets, and hot dogs as motivators, he taught his students how to teach their dogs a better recall. 

On graduation day of all his classes he would race two dogs at a time until they were down to the last two dogs which would race for a trophy and a chance to become the Paper Plate Recall Race Champion. This technique is used by dog trainers all over the world as a reliable method of teaching their students how to get their dog to come back when they call.

7th annual paper plate races IACP

Get In On the Action!

Enter today to compete with other Canine Professionals and their dogs in a friendly competition at the 7th Annual races!

There is an entry fee of $25 to enter yourself and your dog. The competition will be held in a bracket format. Spectators are encouraged and welcome to attend all races. Every race will be a best out of three elimination race. There are no weight classes and no breed restrictions.

RULES
All dogs must be able to follow through with all of the following commands:

  • Sit or down
  • Stay
  • Go to target
  • Recall

Any dog that doesn’t show up for its race time is disqualified. No e-collar is usage allowed. First dog to target and recalled to sit, wins. (Dogs must cross finish line and come to a complete sit.)

Note: All races will be videoed for photo finishes.

"I do not teach socialization class... the dogs teach it!"

About Dick Russell

Dick Russell was a dedicated dog trainer who devoted over 50 years of his life to the craft. A true expert, he spent more than 30 years assisting dog owners in the Baton Rouge Metro Area, transforming their pets into the beloved companions they had always envisioned.

As a pioneer in dog training, Dick introduced groundbreaking techniques that changed the landscape of canine education, making it both more effective and humane for dogs and their owners alike. His confidence in his methods was evident when he became the first to offer an unconditional lifetime training guarantee, reflecting his deep commitment to his clients and their pets.

Notably, he was the first to bring Large Field Socialization to the western hemisphere, providing this invaluable experience to his students at no cost. Dick believed that every dog deserved the highest quality of training, and he poured his heart and soul into achieving that goal.

He understood that yielding was essential for gaining a dog’s respect, trust, and leadership, and he taught his clients how to implement this approach effectively. Additionally, he introduced the renowned Paper Plate Recall, a comprehensive training exercise designed to teach dogs reliable recall.

Dick’s legacy continues through the countless pets he helped become well-mannered, happy family members. His innovative training methods have proven invaluable to dog trainers worldwide, enhancing their classes and empowering them to become better educators for dog owners.