Puppy Recall

little_miss_muppet_face

When do i know when my puppy is ready to be let off her lead in a public place, we have been to puppy classes and she always runs to me when i shout on her, but then there is no where else for her to go really, im so scared to let her off incase she runs off,
any experienced dog owners help me, and what do i do if she runs off towards other dogs etc.. lie on the grass and shout is what i have been advised.. does this work ?

Kittendreich

If you have good recall at class and at home etc then try it in lots of different places getting gradually braver. In the garden (if you have one), friend's houses, in a park (well away from distractions & cars) going from one person to another increasing the distance each time and so on. If she succeeds in all these places then try moving about and calling her back to you frequently & giving her a treat (I find if I have tasty chicken or something they don't go that far anyway!). You will get more confident and so will she. If you are very concerned then some people attach a long training line to their dog (thin lead 5-10m long) - this makes them easier to catch if they do bolt. However, making walking with you off lead fun (i.e. lots of treats) I think is a much better way to do it as I think dogs sense when people are not confident and then don't respect their commands as much. Good Luck!

sarabe

Find somewhere safe with not too many distractions.

Take a favourite toy and some tasty treats.

Attach a long trailing line (cord or rope) to your pup's collar or harness.

With her still on lead give her some food and/or play with her with a toy - whatever is going to be the most rewarding for her. Then unclip her lead but leave the line on and continue to feed and play for another 20 seconds or so.

Next give her the release command that you use in class and then move away from her. Don't call but just keep an eye on her. She will follow you. When she catches up or goes past you turn and go in the other direction. Repet this to ensure that she keeps an eye on you.

Every time she catches you up reward her with food or a brief game and then dismiss her again.

Only call her when she is heading in your direction to start with.

Gradually with more and more repetition you can start to call her before she turns to catch you up and the eventually whatever she is doing she'll respond to being called.

If you start of by teaching a young pup to follow and have great rewards then you'll find that you rarely need to call anyway they'll just be there.

Always reward with food or a game or permission to go.

Kaelea

I agree with the above .. I'd also like to add, never ever tell your dog off when it does come to you, no matter if it has been naughty

if you call your dog after it has been naughty by the time they have got to you they have forgotten already what they have done wrong and your therefore telling them off for coming to you,

I remember once at a obedience dog show, mid class my mutt ran off to chase some cows, I was mortified, the other contestants were all like "theres a dead dog" I called and shouted and called that dog all names under the sun, but when he did decide to come back I heaped loads of praise on him, to confused looks off the spectators

I wanted to wring his neck for going to chase, but I had to reward the good behaviour of him coming to me, dog training can be soo confusing

good luck!

tango

My Pointer is 17 weeks now,had a few naughty moments,but I am a great fan of the long lead method and very tasty treats,they have helped me alot. I also have a whistle if she has gone to far away

bishboshbluebell

Fantastic advice - We're about to get a rescue dog (first time dog owner) so I'm keen to learn all the tricks. Many thanks

Caroline_a

Another trick is to take him out with an older dog who does have good recall. The younger dog will naturally follow the older dog when they are called.

TraceyUK2000

Caroline_a wrote: »

Another trick is to take him out with an older dog who does have good recall. The younger dog will naturally follow the older dog when they are called.

Agree with the above, we have had 2 bulldog pups in the last year, the first one followed our old golden retriever and came back (even when the old one went walkies in the woods and we lost her for half hour, :mad: the puppy turned round and came back to us) the new pup followed the 10 month old and they both just lollop back together. We do take them into woods and stuff though so no roads to be worried about.

little_miss_muppet_face

I already have a long lead and she comes back on that, but she has no choice really as she can only go so far, ok, i guess i just need to go with it and hoe for the best... wish me luck guys...:eek:

sarabe

little_miss_muppet_face wrote: »

I already have a long lead and she comes back on that, but she has no choice really as she can only go so far, ok, i guess i just need to go with it and hoe for the best... wish me luck guys...:eek:

I assume you mean a flexi lead.

A long trailing line is very different.

With a dog on a flexi lead you usually end up following the dog which is exactly what you shouldn't do if you want a good recall. Dogs are attracted to things that move away from them.

A long trailing line is not attached to you, the dog simple trails it. It is your safety net, you can tread on it if need be (or someone else can for you).

Youdontseeme

little_miss_muppet_face wrote: »

I already have a long lead and she comes back on that, but she has no choice really as she can only go so far, ok, i guess i just need to go with it and hoe for the best... wish me luck guys...:eek:

Something like this?
http://www.thepetexpress.co.uk/?p=2_4&gr=Nylon%20Tracking%20Line%20Black%209m/30ft&pid=12955

The idea is to let go and let the lead trail behind the dog, that way to dont have to do that get close for them to run off doing the "chase me chase me" thing, which most dogs love and most owners hate!!

Good luck!

YDSM