Recall worries

Discussion in 'Labrador Training' started by Atemas, Apr 23, 2017.

  1. Granca

    Granca Registered Users

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    Using some of her i/d food sounds worth trying, but it would be good if the rabbit skin toy works. A squeaky toy is another possibility. Have you tried changing direction frequently too, so that she needs to follow you and check where you are? That might be easier if you haven't got trees to hide behind!
     
  2. Atemas

    Atemas Registered Users

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    I have tried the squeaky toy but no joy. Yesterday I took a tube of Arden Grange liver paste with me but she wasn't interested in licking that either. We probably haven't changed directions enough so need to be more proactive doing that.
     
  3. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

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    Ok - there is lots you can do then. The thing with games that sometimes is a bit surprising is that dogs don't always seem motivated by them at first. It does depend on the dog though.

    Charlie is extremely easy to motivate by games but I still had to work at it. There was a time when I couldn't keep his attention long enough to even start playing a game. Betsy was much, much harder and I've had to really, really work hard with her but now tug and chase are big rewards for her. Chaser tug is Betsy's thing. Fetching something is Charlie's.

    You can start by exploring what your dog likes. Will she steal a sock? Will she play tug with it? What if you put the sock on a bit of string and run away with it dragging it on the ground? Will she chase it? Does she like to catch food? Will she chase food? Most dogs can learn very quickly to like chasing and capturing food - that sort of comes with being a dog.

    Then you think up games. Tug is great but you have to work at it with most dogs to build it into a high value reinforcer. Games that involve chasing you can also be really valuable. So - just as an example - if a dog will chase then you can bounce side to side having the dog guess which way you will toss a treat then throw the treat and run! Round a tree or bush so the dog can't catch you easily - brilliant for building the value in running to you.

    There are endless things like this where you build in the value for behaviours you want e.g. Focus on you and what you are going to do next, and running towards you.
     
  4. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

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    Just to add - like anything - you start playing games in low distraction environments and move them gradually to higher distraction environments. You can't start in an environment where your dog is too distracted. Build up the value by playing and stopping when your dog wants to keep going and so on. Just like you train anything.
     
  5. Atemas

    Atemas Registered Users

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    Well made a start in the garden this morning - got her to chase after me but she was a bit half hearted even though I was dropping treats for her to find. At one point she just meandered off to get a huge lump of soil in her mouth but I carried on and she eventually dropped most of it. I was then so exhausted by running around like a lunatic I had to come in and she wasn't bothered. She is sleeping now but I will try tuggy this afternoon. We have training this evening so I am hoping to pick up more tips.
     
  6. snowbunny

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  7. Atemas

    Atemas Registered Users

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  8. charlie

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  9. snowbunny

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    With your amount of experience, Helen, there may not be a whole lot new in there for you. I've only read half of it, then got distracted, so I'll pick it up again soon and have another read to see if I think it would be valuable to you.
     
  10. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

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    Don't be disheartened - it takes a while! Also (with a dog who is learning the games) stick to a routine, a particular game (or more than one game at a different time). The idea is first your dog learns to enjoy a game and starting that game is a big cue for having fun together. Obviously don't stop just random play but concentrate on particular games when you are trying to build up something specific.
     
  11. Atemas

    Atemas Registered Users

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    Thank you Julie - I do appreciate your comments and no, I am not disheartened. I think will get there.
     
  12. Atemas

    Atemas Registered Users

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    edzbird, selina27 and snowbunny like this.
  13. Lara

    Lara Registered Users

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    Id be interested in this book too - I need to build up the value of some non-food rewards for indie, I am such a walking larder when out training at the moment. I'm trying to build the value of tugging but it's a bit hit and miss. Id be interested to hear any other opinions on the book :)
     
  14. Atemas

    Atemas Registered Users

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    There are 6 chapters on tug. I read the first 3 chapters then it went into the tug ones which I have skipped for the moment. I am just going to concentrate on food play and fetch. I think it will be one of those books that I will dip into as and when.
     
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