I am the proud owner of Milly a beautiful 10 month black labrador. She is progressing well . On the lead she is a treat and already walks well on a loose lead. In the park or at the beach she will return to me promptly most of the time. Especially if there is a reward involved. My problem is that around the home or in the back yard when I call her she comes when she is good and ready or not at all. Its like she thinks she has to behave when she's out but not when she's home. I have played the hide and call her name which she loves and reacts well to but if its in day to day life she ignores my call. Last night she got me up to go out for a pee. After she did this she strolled around the yard sniffing and just stretched out on the lawn while I froze my backside off. I felt like just walking inside and locking her out. Any thoughts on this would be welcome .
Well, are you reinforcing her when she gets to you? If you lived with someone who was constantly calling you for (in your eyes) no apparent reason, would you continue to come running??? If the person gave you something you really wanted, every time you came, you might respond differently....
I still give Meg the odd treat when she comes in at home from called, also she still gets lots of praise, even in everyday mundane life. She's 4. it works she zooms every time.
Agree with Jo. Think also about what pattern you are developing. If she comes at home, she is put to bed. the fun of sniffing in the yard stops. Do not build a negative assocation with recall. Occasionally call her. Give a treat. And then go and play with her. I'd recommend that you attend 4 paws k9 training with Trish Harris. She is an excellent teacher.
My dogs ALWAYS get a good treat or a big party for a recall and often get released to go back to what they were doing. It NEVER signifies end-of-fun, but the beginning of more fun.
Hi @edzbird What happens exactly when you throw "a big party"? Genuinely interested. Always looking for new ideas.
Lots of noisy praise and play eg with a ball, a tuggie, jumping on over things - anything my dog loves, keeping it upbeat.
I practice on the field with our 8 month old, recall then treat then go play again. Managed to recall her from chasing a bird last week which was surprising!. Unfortunately it all goes out of the window when another dog appears but still early days..
I don't recall in the house (or yard) to avoid ruining the recall...most recalls around the house are for nothing the dog likes! And its easy enough to just go grab the dog, or wave a toy around so they run over.
Hi @alsbos And it is for that reason that one sometimes calls the dog from say the yard, gives a treat and then let's her play, despite wanting the dog to go to bed. The dog is anticpating a stop to the fun.
