Hi, Just looking. for some advice on recall training. We've got Pippas "Total Recall" book and he's been doing great with that. When he's switched on at the sound of the whistle he comes running full pelt as fast as his little legs will carry him, even from a distance on walks with low level distractions. We recently added a verbal recall command too which he's also doing well with (although seems to struggle with this one a bit more with my husband for some reason). The only problem I have is when he's tired/drowsey he just does not respond at all. I might as well not exist. Now I can't think of any reason I'd need to recall him from being asleep in his bed but in the book there is a specific step on "recall from sleep" which is to be completed before the proofing chapters which bakes me think it must have some importance?? I've never trained a dog before so I don't really know if this is a problem I need to correct asap or if I'm simply asking a bit too much of a 4.5 month old pup.
He is still pretty young and when dogs are overly stimulated or exhausted its not easy to get them to recall. Even older pups can have trouble when they are tired. Just keep working at it and youll be able to get him to respond with time. He is still young though so stay consistent and give it time.
He is still pretty young and when dogs are overly stimulated or exhausted its not easy to get them to recall. Even older pups can have trouble when they are tired. Just keep working at it and youll be able to get him to respond with time. He is still young though so stay consistent and give it time.
Hi KatieB25 I have read the section in Pippa's book. My interpretation is that she is referring to a dog that is sleeping to pass the time before something exciting happens. Your dog is a puppy. Sleep is an important part of her development. So, I would not place too much importance on waking a puppy for training. Moreover, your puppy's behaviour is telling you he needs her sleep. Try the exercise when he is fully grown, and I'm sure you will see a dog spring into action from a slumber. As I said this is my inpretation of that section. @pippa@labforumHQ
Hi there, As Michael says, the aim is mainly to call the dog that is sleeping to pass the time before something worth responding to happens. Because you are always worth responding to There’s no need to do this with a young puppy that is tired and needs to sleep. However, it is important that your puppy responds to the recall in a wide range of different contexts. So if you have a situation where the dog is relaxing or sleepy but perfectly happy to chew on a toy or get up to greet a visitor, it’s possible that your recall reinforcements (your food rewards at this point) are not powerful enough. And you certainly need to address that before attempting recall in more challenging situations. Which is why it’s suggested that you complete that step before moving on to proofing among distractions. If your puppy is not getting out of bed for juicy roast chicken. Then he almost certainly needs to sleep! But if it’s dry old kibble you are using, that could be your problem.
