Hi, I have a 15-month old, very biddable but too smart Golden Shepherd that I want to work with on off- leash recall training. It's likely that, a month from now, he will need a 6-week time-out in crate while recovering from elbow surgery. I'm training him to other things now. Should I wait till he's healed to start on the off-leash recall training, or is it okay if I start now and pick it up after hiatus? FWIW he comes for treats when we're out in our woods, but not quickly if he's on the track of something more interesting (deer, squirrel, small mammals....). Thanks
Does off-leash mean no long line? I would advise to use a long line until you are certain your dog will return like a boomerang--quickly, not when he feels like it. What does your vet say about running before the operation? If okay, the thing you need to avoid is your dog having more sessions when he feels that he can ignore you while he responds to the call of the wild.
