Quote:
Originally Posted by Dundee
Ok - he's still a baby... and I'm guessing your only dog so of course other dogs are going to be a novelty.
When training, you need to build it up. At home, in the garden, out and about, out and about away from distractions. All these have to be trained separately and it shouldn't be assumed because a dog understands recall in one situation it will undestand it in all.... it doesn't.
You've been given some good advice. I personally would prefer a long lead over an extending one. Do you know any other dog walkers that would help you while you are training? Set up a situation where he is with other dogs and work on your recall before he has had all the exciting play. Also, make sure you never allow him to be in a position where he will ignore you. If you don't think he will come, go and get him, otherwise all you are teaching him is that it is ok to ignore you.
You are doing fine, but it can come as a surprise to some how much work goes into training a reliable recall against all distractions.
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Good post.
It really IS very hard work, perfecting a recall against distractions. My girl absolutely LOVES other dogs and it's been bloody frustrating getting her to come away. In fact over the past couple of weeks she has drastically improved and seems to be less interested in other dogs - it has coincided with her first season ending. How old is your dog? Although obviously it is very important to keep up the training, I do think that at a certain age (depending on the dog) they suddenly seem to grow up a bit.
Do you do any obedience classes? I did puppy socialisation classes with my dog before going on to a competitive obedience class, and she is finally learning that she can be surrounded by other dogs but not allowed to play with them... it helps if the dogs you are surrounded by are focussed on their handlers! So it might be an idea, if you can, to practise recall among dogs who aren't as bothered about your dog as she is by them... sort of get her used to the idea that you are more fun? Even if you have to cheat at teaching her you're more fun by making sure you're surrounded by dull dogs LOL!