I am just starting the basic recall section of total recall after working through the puppy bit. I have been using a verbal recall command but have now bought a whistle which I want to use so I don't have to shout across fields and things! I was wondering how to introduce the whistle? Someone suggested I just stand and blow the whistle and then give him a treat so he associates the whistle with a treat but I think if I did that the n when I start trying to give other commands with the whistle he will get confused just associating it all with food! Thanks in advance
Re: Changing from verbal recall command to whistle Hi Frankie, if you continue through Total Recall it gives exercises to help your dog get used to recalling to the whistle and calling him away from different things, like food, dogs etc. Just work your way through and take your time. It's not as easy as just blowing your whistle and giving a treat, Pippa explains about the gambling effect with treats, high, medium and low value treats which is very important. Good luck.
Re: Changing from verbal recall command to whistle Hi frankie, to replace the verbal command with a whistle you have two options. You can either go through the training process again from the beginning, using the whistle, or, you can carry on from where you are, but do a 'switch' first. To switch the verbal for the whistle, take the exercise that you have most recently completed and work through it preceding every verbal with the whislte. So "pip-pip-pip-pip-pip-pip" brief pause "come" Repeating the same exercise over and over, gradually increase the pause between the whistle and the verbal. Eventually he will start pre-empting the verbal and coming to the whistle. At this point you can drop the verbal and move on with your training. Personally, I would probably run through the exercises from the beginning, using the whistle, this is the most thorough option. But it is up to you. Incidentally, you can do the same the other way around for those that have taught the whistle and want to add a verbal. Always put the new command before the old. Sooner rather than later, the dog will grasp the connection. If you alternate which cue you use, it will keep both verbal and whistle strong.
Re: Changing from verbal recall command to whistle Hi Frankie, Dexter is our first dog so I worked through Total Recall meticulously .....him legging it was ( and is but so far unfounded ???) my biggest fear.he had a really good basic verbal recall 'Dexter Come 'before I started the whistle.....I always said Dexter Come after I had blown his whistle signal whichever excercise I was working through ...you might not always have your whistle on you,although I have to say the whistle is so much more powerful..I think it was Heidrun who told me a very wise thing in my early days.....the whistle takes the emotion out of your voice if you feel a bit stressed if they are running out of your comfort zone....this has saved me a lot as my free running comfort zone was really small when we first got Dexter.....I'm much more confident now and that is the Total Recall Program. Total recall works if you do it properly and don't go too fast ,take that from a novice ;D I can guarantee it ;D ;D you will find some excercises easier to do than others.....we are still using every opportunity we can to proof from other dogs....it's hard to get that practice in.i also accept that he will never be able to free run in the park around children playing ball games....it's illegal for him to be off lead so I haven't been able to practice that sufficiently so I can't take the chance of a failed recall and frightening a child and upsetting a parent :-[
Re: Changing from verbal recall command to whistle Sorry I forgot to say.....whilst I am one of Total Recalls biggest fans ;D I still reward every recall with a treat.....that is lack of confidence on my part and is not what Pippa coaches in the program
Re: Changing from verbal recall command to whistle Thanks everyone, I am going to start total recall again with the whistle and alternate both verbal and whistle eventually so that I am prepared if I have forgotten my whistle etc. I really like that the whistle isn't affected by emotions because I am the same and can get nervous if he strays too far or runs off to greet other dogs that I don't know.