Having had a problem with recall over the weekend, after several months of being really reliable, I've spent the last 2 days following a new plan. I'd also been thinking back to my very well-behaved cocker spaniel who had no formal training - BUT then I started to remember all the games I used to play with her, no wonder she stuck close, being with me was fun! The last 2 days have been great. I've stopped worrying about steadiness when retrieving ( so just as well the gun dog class isn't on this week ) and done a lot of playing. Yesterday I took Molly to the forest and did the 'about-turn walk' which really took her by surprise as, being Autumn, I was able to get off the paths and hide in among the trees and every time she caught up with me I produced a toy for a game. On our other walk I kept giving a food reward for every look at me plus some tiuggy games. I decided not to change my recall whistle as it had been pretty well proofed, so I only blew it when she was returning anyway. Today we walked at the beach and recreation ground and again really play sessions more than walks. She recalled from other dogs and from a flock of seagulls. I also relaxed today and enjoyed it myself - if she can progress with gundoggery good, but I need to remember that from her point of view it's got to be fun.
