[nagdu] Off-leash recall.

[Julie J.]

The first thing I'd do is start over with another word or sound cue.  He's 
learned that come means to come when I get around to it.  Start from scratch 
with another word or cue that means get over here right now...a whistle, a 
jingling of your keys, the word "here", or "miller time"...whatever works 
for you.

I'd start with it in your regular obedience routine,  until he has a glimmer 
of an understanding what the word means.  An excited posture and tone of 
voice as well as stepping backwards will encourage him to come to you. 
Always keep it super upbeat.
then I'd work in the house when nothing much is going on.  Call him when 
he's close and somewhat alert, reward lavishly with treats if you do that or 
toys and praise...whatever is most rewarding for him.  Continue to call him 
with the new cue off and on for maybe a week.  I wouldn't do repetitions of 
it, just once, then let him forget and repeat an hour or more later.   He 
should be running to you like he's won the lottery from anywhere in the 
house when he hears the new cue.  Once that is happening, move to outside in 
a small fenced area if you can, a long light line if you can't.  Repeat the 
process. When you increase the distraction level, lower the distance.  You 
want each successive behavior to be just the slightest bit more difficult 
and totally doable.  If he doesn't come, go back to an easier situation and 
practice at that level until he's ready to move on.

I never admonish a dog for not coming.   I also do not use a formal recall 
when I want the dog for ear cleaning, nail trimming or a bath.  My dogs 
tolerate those things, but I think they'd be happier dirty.  Nail trimming 
is not a reward for sure.  In those cases I go to the dog.

Build up slowly.  Keep it fun and totally unpredictable.  The thing about 
the recall is that you never know when you'll need it, so build that into 
the training.  If the dog knows that's I only need to come when we are doing 
daily obedience or when it's mealtime, you won't have a reliable recall any 
other time.

HTH
Julie


-----Original Message----- 
From: Deanna Lewis
Sent: Friday, March 14, 2014 10:04 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog 
Users(nagdu at nfbnet.org)
Subject: [nagdu] Off-leash recall.

Hi,
So all the talk about fenced in yards and off-leash recall got me thinking 
that I really should be working on improving my dog's off-leash recall. He 
is not bad, but sometimes, he gets sniffy and is really stubborn and doesn't 
want to come back to me. His obedience is good, but when he gets outside and 
more than 10 feet away, he likes to poke around and I have to call his name 
several times.
So, what are some good techniques for re-teaching a dog off leash recall? 
Any tips and tricks?
I know some of you mentioned whistles, is there a specific type to use, or 
will any kind do?
Food? Clicker? Etc?
Thank you.
Deanna and Pascal
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