01-09-2008, 11:00 AM
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Pet Forums Senior Member
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: East Sussex
Posts: 520
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Re: Best way to teach RECALL
Hi Louise,
I agree with using a long line.
18 weeks is still very young, and you shouldn't be expecting any great things with his recall at this stage. The recall is very much a work in progress, and is something that your dog will always be learning and improving on - hopefully 
You say your dog is fine with recall when no distractions are around, which is good news, as it shows you he does know the recall.
A great combination is a silent whistle (easier on the human ear), and a long line.
You introduce the whistle as follows:
Every time you feed your dog give 3 quick pips on the whistle then put his bowl down.
At random points throughout the day while your dog is not seeking your attention/giving you attention. Give 3 quick pips on the whistle AND call him verbally. When he comes give 3 high value treats (so not regular treats something really special), also give praise and petting, make a fuss of him.
Do this for a week at home and he should start to associate the 3 pips, plus your voice, with getting special treats and affection. You'll know when he's got it as he should come quick as a flash.
Note: When using your voice to call him it's important to be consistent with the tone you use. I know it sounds silly but you almost want to sing his name + come. Your tone should be bright/happy and always end the command on a higher note. I hope this makes sense. Once you've found your pitch, stick to it.
To work on the recall outside, you should first start out in areas where there are not too many distraction. Have him wear a long line but let it trail on the ground. Only use it to reinforce the recall if he should ignore you.
So, as soon as you think he interested in something/someone and is about to run off, 3 pips on the whistle, and use your voice to call him.
If he ignores you pick up the lead and gently steer him towards you and head in the opposite direction away from the distraction. Aim to get him in to the sit at heel position, then give him praise but no treat. He only gets the full monty; treat/praise/petting when he comes back to the whistle and your voice.
You can also rope friends in to help you with recall training. For example you can go to a nice safe open space and take two toys. One toy should be the bingo toy, his absolute favourite, and the other toy should entertain him but not be his fav.
You and your friend stand some distance apart, with your dog in the middle wearing a long line.
You throw the entertaining toy for your dog to fetch and bring back to you. Let him do this say 7 - 10 times, then on the next throw your friend should catch the toy and quickly put it behind their back. This should make your dog look back to see if you still have the toy, but even if he doesn't look back and before he gets halfway, use the whistle and your voice PLUS bring out the bingo toy, and when he returns, have a brief play.
Do this entire routine about 3 times, it's great fun way of training the recall 
As you progress you can get your friend to create other kinds of distractions, for example they could walk away a little distance and start bouncing a ball around. Again use the whistle, your voice, plus bingo toy to get your dog to return to you. Play briefly then get him in to the down stay position while your friend goes round him in a wide circle (so not too near), still bouncing the ball. You aim is to have your dog focus on you the whole time, he should be mentally checking in with you for the next command.
Phew!
Hope this helps.
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