Hi Have lurked on site since we got our choc lab puppy three months ago and have finally plucked up the courage to post, now nearly 6 months and a bundle of joy and mischief. Many questions but want to ask about training and exercise. At present we take him out twice daily, morning walk is to an area where he meets some familiar dogs and is off lead and runs around with them as they always come back to their owners he does and we practice recall and though have had some scary times on the whole does come back. However first question when decision for him is new dog or treat dog always wins how can I ensure my treats are more motivating and how do I deal with an AWOL dog chasing other similar dogs as owners desperately try to get control. I seem to spend my life apologising however he does come back and now does seem to be listening and more responsive!! Our evening walk is on a training lead and he has been delightful over the last few days, listening responding, recall to name, sitting etc. My quandary is should I not let him have his morning runs with other dogs which he clearly loves so I can work on recall etc. Advice needed as I don't want to limit his experiences
Re: Just learning Welcome to the forum - lovely to have you here What is your dog's name? With the recall, while they are learning, basically you don't ever want to be in the position of calling and getting no response. So it is important to practise your recall in situations that are not too challenging and in which you know the dog will 'succeed' because you've made it easy enough. So, what I would do is go back a few steps before you let him go running in a place where you know he won't respond to your recall cue. Go back to basics and do lots of recalls on lead at unexpected times. In the house, recall him and then release him ('go play!'). On walks on lead, even though he might be only a metre away, recall him and give a big treat, then walk on. Try to do this kind of thing 20 times a day. Once you're getting a quick response on lead you can try it with a long line (much longer lead or two leads joined together). Once that's good then do it off lead in your garden, then off lead in a safe environment with no people and dogs around. Gradually build up again to the more distracting environments (using the long line to limit the distance if you are not sure that he will response to you). Recall him often and, 9 out of 10 times, then release him to play or sniff again. It is important to break the association between recall and 'I have to go on lead, stop playing and go home...'. By recalling him often and not putting him on lead you are teaching him that he can have his cake and eat it too! It is in fact not a choice between playing and a treat (stopping playing) - he can come and have a treat and then keep playing!
Re: Just learning I agree with Rachael, but I also feel it is important to let a young dog interact freely with other dogs, so I would still let him have off lead time with other dogs a few times a week. When recalling, wait until he is right close by after he has had a chance to let off steam with his pals. Then when he is looking at you, firmly say his name once and give your recall command - then turn on your heel and walk firmly away. Don't look back and don't call him again - really MEAN it. I have found this worked really well with my last three dogs. Good luck - oh, and welcome to the forum!
Re: Just learning Hi Motley! Welcome to the forum If you haven't already, it is worthwhile investing in Pippa's Total Recall book (On Amazon) I really helps with the whole recall training process and is easily read, digested and understood. I also suffer from the "How can I be more interesting/my treats be more motivating?" issue. I haven't found an answer to that myself exactly, but my issue is chasing wildlife (which isn't easy exactly to proof against) and also self-rewarding (which I had allowed to happen not realising the implications). Total Recall has definiely made things hugely better for me, and starting putting into practice what Rachael and Karen have said along with the Total Recall Programme sooner rather than later is the best idea. Good luck and keep us up to date, and keep asking questions - there are loads of people on her who are going through, or have gone through, exactly what you have!
Re: Just learning Thanks for the reply's our boys called Tom. Advice vey helpful, this morning took him out on the long lead and practiced his recall and he did really well when there were no distractions also practicing other commands as he seems to struggle to follow known commands in different situations so lots of practice. Things become more challenging though when he sees other dogs as he is just so excited and wants to play. When on the lead I tend to move away from other dogs and encourage him to sit and watch them pass, any other suggestions greatly received
Re: Just learning Total Recall goes through the whole proofing thing..... Being calm in the house, then be calm with strangers, then moving it out to the garden, then moving it out to the park etc. Its all about transferring "learned" things to different situations
Re: Just learning Hi Again thanks for replies have now bought "Total Recall" on Kindle and have started reading. Just to report have introduced a whistle over the past three days and practiced in house and garden, tonight braved an enclosed field, other dogs around but far enough away as not to be a distraction left long lead trailing just in case but Tom was brilliant 100% coming back the only problem he was so enthusiastic we were concerned he might send me flying! Did manage to stop and sit but put his brakes on at the last minute!! He seems really focussed on the whistle but suspect the roast chicken helped as well. If feeling brave tomorrow may try when there are other dogs around fingers crossed x Thanks again
Re: Just learning Hi and welcome from me and Harley (13 months) I have recently started using a whistle and find it really useful when I want her attention. Good luck tomorrow, let us know how you get on
Re: Just learning Just stopping by to say hi and welcome I have got Dexter !a yellow boy who will be 2 at the end of the month x
Re: Just learning Hello and welcome from me and my two dogs , sounds like you are doing just great to me too
Re: Just learning Hi, thanks for all the replies and welcomes. Had an interesting day had a lovely run this morning tried whistle with other dogs not brilliant but I realised I'd put him in a no win situation as he was so engrossed playing and chasing there was no way he could refocus his attention, however was far more focussed on me and did some really good recalls. Also followed advice about walking away and he resisted dog temptation and followed me and fellow dog walker and her dogs so was really chuffed. This afternoon went out with him with husband the first time we've taken him out together and let off the lead I was so proud he came back to call nearly all the time one hairy moment as he obviously got the scent of something I resisted panicking three loud toots on the whistle and he galloped back to us, one very proud mum x Again thanks for advice
Re: Just learning Thanks know things can change rapidly and challenges will continue but enjoying our achievements but know we've along way to go and we're at the start of a long journey Tom and C x
Re: Just learning Hi there and welcome from me too! Sounds like things are going well, persistence and proofing are definitely the key to keeping things progressing, so keep at it!
Re: Just learning Hello, a very warm welcome from me and my 18 month old boy Charlie. Charlie is super keen to play with other dogs. He was injured for a bit, and didn't get to play. When we went back off lead again, he was crazy to play! [quote author=motley link=topic=7807.msg109907#msg109907 date=1410811880] tried whistle with other dogs not brilliant but I realised I'd put him in a no win situation as he was so engrossed playing and chasing there was no way he could refocus his attention [/quote] I worked on just getting my dog's attention when he was playing at first. Not asking for a recall, just a "check-in" so just head up and wonder where I was time to time. It took a while but once I'd got it going, progress from there was very quick. So we set off walking with a puppy he was super keen to play with and I rewarded any attention I got at all (which at first was hardly anything). Super great treats, and all he had to do was look at me and get the treat. Nothing else required. I used a clicker for the moment he glanced at me. Once he was regularly "checking-in" then recalls were a doddle.
