Oh I see, you start with a scoby just like kombucha (I am familiar with that!). I've actually found a local supermarket that stocks it, so I'll buy a bottle and see if I actually like it before I commit to tracking down a scoby
Ah well at least yours listens hehe. As weird as it seems, mine has started to lick other dogs poop... never done that before, he used to just sniff and move on but today he decided to lick and I ended up having to pull him away. I'm now keeping an eye out for the inevitable, especially when at the park. I think diet might play a role in this but then again, they are dogs? Idk but anyway, seems like I spoke to soon lol. You said you use your mouth to whistle, I try this a lot but he does not respond half the time and was considering an actual whistle as I was recommended by numerous people. Have you ever tried this or not needed to? Distracting him or calling him would be helpful when he is getting up to no good, or when he sees another dog and does a runner XD
Training a whistle recall is a great idea - the whistle carries further than your voice is not affected by head colds/sore throats/emotions etc. I do recommend the Total Recall book to help guide you through training recall.
I’m not the person to ask about training recall!! I didn’t know how to train it and my boy had terrible recall. It’s much improved now with lots of training (and treats!) but not perfect. The book referred to above by @edzbird is the one to follow. One thing I do at home though is that most times when my dog gets a random treat (eg I’m eating some almonds and he wants one), I use the opportunity to train Come. It really helps reinforce the most important thing (for us), which is to come when called.
Pretty much my reaction when my friend said "so I've got a kombucha "mother" and I'm really getting into it"! The mother/scoby is the "starter", like you have for sourdough. Kombucha is the drink you make from it. I've never tasted it because even my friend had to admit that it didn't actually taste very nice. It's very popular with your crunchy types.
Ah thanks a lot for that recommendation. I've been trying to get him to come back EVERY time I call him by his name but of course he is having none of it, especially around others (dogs and people). I'm taking him training a lot these days so this should help somewhat too.
The problem with using the name is that it tends to be over-used in day to day life so becomes somewhat meaningless, like white noise. Using a whistle or different verbal cue that you only use for recall is far better.
Yeah logically that makes sense and I had considered that but never attempted to use a whistle or anything. I've always used my voice for recall and he will either come or he wont, depends how he feels and what he is doing haha. We will be working even more on recall as its a big part of the training he goes to but with voice, though they do also recommend a whistle if your voice is not effective.
A whistle is also consistent. I was in the park with Mollie, she was spooked by a leaf blower and ran out of the park into the road. I was shouting her in panic - of course, my voice had changed completely. Then I remembered the whistle, blew it and she came galloping back. I’ve never been so relieved that we teach whistle recall with our pups! .
You don't have to use a single recall - Coco is trained (OK, training - it's always ongoing) to whistle, verbal (we use "come") and hand signal. It's a good idea to have many aces up your sleeve.
I also use open arms for Come - which, if Snowie is looking at me, works instantly, and is much more effective in that moment than a verbal Come. He responds so nicely to open arms: happy face, wagging tail - as if responding to more than just Come Here, it feels like an emotional response.
