Hi, Just need some guidance. We use a whistle for our recall, and are working through the book. Just have a couple of queries. When you do a recall while the dog is running away from you, do you excpect it to turn around straight away or still run up to the person/dog/item they wanted and then turn around? Ie:is there a point of no return? Vanilla decided to do it both ways. First time she imediatly turned around, even though she had already fixed her self on the person. We did get a good compliment from the lady as she walked past Second time she decided to run in a circle, straight through the group (who where having a picnic. Luckely no food got taken or any wine knocked over), who got all exited and said hello. She did not stop and came straight back. I would have prefered the first respons from her, but I am sure that will come. Second part, how often do you use a recall? Don't want to turn it into a bad one ie:constant or become a spoil sport for all the fun. Currently I only call if I really need too before I see something that could potentially cause problems. Most of the time she will just come back to me every 20 seconds or so to get a treat without a recall. She is only five months old. Also how do you get a nice warm juicy roast chicken out and about for a nice recall treat Thanks Sven
Ideally you want the dog to turn around and run back to you as soon as you give your recall cue (whistle etc). You use your recall when you know it will work. At the same time you gradually increase the challenges in your training, so you're expanding the range of situations in which your recall will work. You're also doing the right thing by monitoring the environment and recalling Vanilla before the distractions become to great or too close for her, given the stage she's at with her training. Cold or 'room temperature' roast chicken is just fine Only the most hard-core, dedicated and inventive trainer who has also invested in treat-pouch warming technologies would attempt to have the roast chicken warm on delivery
Thanks, what I thought. Just hard work to monitor everything, especially when sometimes not sure what she is fixated. Have to say when we where at the winery on Sunday and she was playing with her brother who we catch up with every now and again she came straight away. He however decided to explore the dining room, bar area and toilets...our friend could not get him to return. Afterwards told her to get the book ...when she came out the front door looking not to pleased... Luckely the winery is friendly...
Sounds like you're doing a fab job with Vanilla's recall All the effort pays off doesn't it. Hope Vanilla's 'Aunty' gets the book!
Thanks, sometimes it does not feel like it. Just have another question around recall. I think this is normal behaviour and a protection thing. I recalled her as I could see a couple off Kelpies who where trying to heard other dogs. She came but every now and then she would crouch completly down as it approached her, no interaction. Once it had moved she carried on towards me. I did not move and she saw me the whole time. Is that normal behaviour rather than running in one to me? Think it is, just wanted to know if anybody else had an experience like this?
Yes, that is normal. She's saying to the other dogs "I'm no threat, so chill out and please be nice to me". That is a very grown up and socially skilled behaviour so you should be proud of your girl and definitely still reward her when she gets to you
For some dogs that can be a sign of submission but bold, confident dogs like mine do it too. I call it Oban's "Alone and Unarmed" position, his sign to the other dog(s) that he is not a threat. He lies right down. The crouch sometimes alarms other owners as some dogs, particularly herding breeds, will often do that sort of crouch before springing up to head an animal off, or charge at the oncoming dog. The oncoming dog always seems to figure it out though. I do try not to give a recall cue when other dogs are approaching mine. My dog racing away from them will cue some other dogs to chase so I try to avoid putting him in that position of turning his back and running away from them.
Thanks I will keep that in mind of not calling her when other dogs are approaching (unless I think it really needs to). Don't want to start a situation without cause.
