Training Tips for Improving Your Dog’s Recall
Question:
I adopted a Sheepdog/great Pyrenees mix about 6 months ago from a rescue organization. He is perfect in every way except I am having difficulty with recall. He is now a year old and his recall is great in the backyard but not reliable at the barn, etc. I would like to be able to occasionally take him off leash to run in certain areas but am too nervous. I have been using the technique of calling him enthusiastically…”HUCKLEBERRY COME”, and rewarding him with a treat or affection.
Any helpful hints or problems with my technique? Thank you so much,
Huckleberry’s mom
ANSWER:
Hi there,
Yours is a common problem. Many people find that their dogs are good about coming when called until they are taken to a different area that has more distractions.
Here is what I recommend:
- Get yourself a long line. A long line is a cotton leash that you can purchase at any pet store. I prefer a length of 20-30 feet.
- Take your dog to tons of new spots and give your recall command.
- If your dog comes when called, great! Praise him heavily.
- If he doesn’t come when called, give just a quick tug as you run backwards a few steps. The backwards motion will make you more interesting to the dog and will build urgency.
The key to this exercise is repetition, repetition, repetition. When you practice commands around the house or back yard you don’t need as much repetition because there aren’t a ton of options.
When you are talking about an off leash recall the reality is that the dog has 1000 options other than coming when called. He can, and currently does, go off in a variety of directions. The key to overcoming the thought process that leads him to choose something other than coming when called is exhausting repetition.
What that means is that for the next several months you should always take him out in these areas with the long line attached. As he becomes completely reliable then you can wean him off the leash, but for now it is your means of communicating what you want.
Good luck.
Ty Brown is an expert dog trainer, author, and speaker who specializes in obedience training, behavior modification, protection dog training, and narcotics dogs. To learn more about Ty and the dog training services he offers, visit www.dogbehavioronline.com
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