No or low distraction recall training is going well and we are starting to wean off the treats now. Good, fast, higher distraction and change of walking area still get top value rewards, but basic 30 – 50 ft nothing around only get his normal treats or carrot. If when training, we recall and use no treats for 2 of them in row, he becomes un-interested in any more recalls unless I have my hand in the pocket or a treat out ready for easy mugging. : It appears that he must see the reward in order to work for it and does not take a chance that he MAY get something and use the “Gambling Effect” I have tried "treat – no treat" alternate and this seems to be fine, but any suggestions on how to get more "no treats" out if we cannot get passed 2 in a row? He won’t work for a toy / kong or “Good Boy” whilst out and about. If he senses that only a “Good Boy” is coming he will turn away and not complete the recall. : On the 1 "no treat" recall he does come to the open hand for a touch and a "good boy rub down", but will not carry out 3 in a row. Any help, as always, gratefully recieved.
Re: Finley is no "Maverick" This might not be consistent with Total Recall but I reward for every good recall, for the dog's entire life.
Re: Finley is no "Maverick" Im not much help I'm afraid as I still reward all recalls.too ,basic easy ones get a kibble or 2,tricky ones get chicken and a cheerleader dance of praise( not attractive in a woman of my age ;D) Dexter is a pet and I'm probably lacking in confidence because he's our first dog....but I like the security of him knowing there is something tasty whenever he returns to me.my bum bag of treats is as much part of our walk attire as his harness and lead so I will always have something with me for every walk...
Re: Finley is no "Maverick" I feel better now Lilly just WILL NOT jump into the back of the car without sight of a treat in my hand. Just in the pocket will not cut the mustard :
Re: Finley is no "Maverick" Yup, I also have one who is deaf (pretty much) unless my hand is in the pocket....
Re: Finley is no "Maverick" Works a treat for Millie too, every time ;D Sam loves his food but out and about he isnt interested, he will recall immediately as long as I have a ball in my pocket , still a reward ;D
Re: Finley is no "Maverick" It might be worth trying rewarding three out of four recalls, and slowly over a matter of weeks dropping that to one in two recalls??
Re: Finley is no "Maverick" You need to go at the dog's pace when fading rewards. It is better to fade too slowly than too quickly. If he is resisting fading, try mixing in more 'jackpots'. It is important not to resort to bribery. You want an automatic trained response, not one that is conditional on a 'lure' So back up to bigger rewards for a while if necessary, but make sure that they are not produced until the behaviour is complete. Otherwise you are simply bribing the dog and this won't work when there are strong distractions around.
