What do you all feel is the optimal age for recall training? My sweet lad is 2 months and shows little interest in the chosen recall word of "come" even though I repeat it as he is running toward me. As a side comment, he also shows little interest in his name!! Is he simply too young just yet?
Re: Age for recall training? Never too young to start building a reliable recall In fact, the day you get your puppy is the day to start encouraging them to follow you and come running for treats and games There are some very helpful articles on the main site about puppy recalls, like this one. If you have a look around you'll find other helpful articles as well as this this video, with a demonstration.
Re: Age for recall training? Hi there, Yes get straight on with it,you have got a wonderful opportunity when your puppy is this age,a reliable recall is invaluable ( and in my opinion vital! ;D) there's lots of help on here ,good luck,what is your puppy's name by the way? Angela
Re: Age for recall training? I would definitely start straight away, I did with Harley. She didn't respond to her name for at least a few weeks to a month, but now she responds every time . Doing recall at such a young age has also been a godsend to me. Make a big fuss of him when he does come, make sure you say good and the word you use to recall. Keep persevering and you will get there. Ternaya and Harley - 5 months old
Re: Age for recall training? Hi, I'd echo the comments of the others - seize the moment and do it now. From what I have read it's actually easier if you start now rather than leaving it until later because the young pup is naturally inclined to come back to you (we certainly found this to be the case with Harvey, who is now a little over 4 months old). Pippa's 'Total Recall' book is very helpful too.
Re: Age for recall training? And just to say too....as Total Recall says, your dog is never too old either.
Re: Age for recall training? Excellent! I've bought the book just today for me and Orion. I'm wondering if it can be incorporated in with clicker training - I assume so, as I plan to use clicker training for other items like waiting nicely and not jumping.
Re: Age for recall training? Total Recall is entirely compatible with the use of a clicker for training
Re: Age for recall training? Marvelous! I've had a Lab before - a dear sweet yellow boy whom I loved with all my heart. However, we got him just before my second child was born, and with a three year old and a newborn and a five month old puppy, I never did a whit of training........he was a sociable and well-adjusted sweet boy nonetheless, but terrible habits of yanking me along on our walks and not always coming back when summoned! So this time round, I'm determined to head those issues off at the pass!
