So all the progress we made last week, when I actually started really enjoying the walks, has completely gone out the window. No matter how much I run frantically away like a complete loon squeaking his tennis ball, calling him or whistling, nothing works now. He looks up and as I encourage him towards me by running, squeaking his ball & throwing it, showing him the treats, and whistling, he looks back at the other dog and runs off with it. This is getting so embarrassing now I hate it that my training isn't working. In the house he comes immediately to my whistle and name-call, and each time he does so I reward him with a treat or a game of tug. In an empty field he will also come immediately when I start running/whistling/calling him.

I cannot possibly make myself anymore fun than another dog is to him

Last week even mid-play with two young bitches he came as soon as I started to walk off and whistled and called. We had some really lovely walks, meeting loads of other dogs but he still would always come when I called. Each time he did as was asked I treated with a piece of tasty ham/cheese, sparked up a game of chase, and threw his ball for him to fetch. But none of that is working now yesterday he was playing with a jack russell, then the owner had to go so called his dog and off they both trotted together... with Zach being a nuisance following them!! I finally got his attention and he came to me, I did not show him I was annoyed, I carried on running and threw his ball.. then the next minute he disappeared and ran like hell to get back to the jack russell.

This is really getting me down, I know it sounds stupid but I just feel like such a failure, every other dog owner in the park has perfect recall, even puppies younger than him. I just cant enjoy my time with him. As suggested by a few people I have kept him on lead - this just doesnt wear him out enough and I feel so mean, he usually really enjoys his walks. Today I tried the long line - doesnt work, just tangles him up and he chokes himself trying to get to the other dogs. When I call and tug the line he just lays down in protest, hes getting so stubborn.

help?

Ps. How long did it take you to teach your dogs perfect recall?

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Sounds like you have been working hard with this.

Do you have an extendable lead, this shouldnt tangle.
Using an extendable lead for practice you should be able to take him near distractions then call him and if he ignores that give him a tug and call again.
if he tries to lie-down in protest, simply call him and turn and walk, he will learn that you are in charge and not him.

I am currently at this stage with my 16 week westie, she is happy to return for a treat, but if she is running toward another dog she doesn't want to listen. Thats not surprising considering her age but it cant become habit so I would never ever let her off the extendable lead until she is recalling under distraction conditions. Dogs are so smart at teaching themselves that it doesn't have to happen more than a couple of times for her to learn that she has control, and not me.

Good luck, he's lucky to have someone prepared to make so much effort

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Hate to say it but I've practically given up letting Archie off the lead. Like you say, he's brilliant at home, in garden, at puppy classes but out in the big world, no chance. I could turn cartwheels and I'm still not interesting enough no matter how many treats, games, praise I give him. Last time he shot off I only got him back because someone else managed to catch him. I agree its really embarrassing.

I now use extendable lead but it doesnt compare to him going exactly where he wants.

How old is your dog? We were told at training class you haven't a hope in hell of getting the dog to come back once they make eye contact with another friendly dog. So sometimes it's best to go over to the group of dogs/people and quietly put him/her back on the lead hope this helps. But don't give up.

I think your instructor is wrong about that.

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Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.

I hope you're not paying for that sort of advice


I agree with Shane, I think your instructor is wrong. What appalling advice to be giving out.

Thanks for your kind words, its really nice of you to say that, especially because I get some bloody awful looks you would think I was the worst dog owner around (even when hes on long line ). My old pup trainer put us off using the extendi leads, saying that it encourages the dog to pull on lead and can cause bad injuries. I have heard this way of teaching recall lots though and have to say I'm thinking of getting one, I'm willing to try anything. I agree with the last part of your quote, its definately my fault he runs off as I let him off too early really, and hes taught himself how much fun it is to ignore me. I wish I could not let him off, soon I may have to keep him on, but its a shame - a lab/collie/alsatian cross has unbelievable amounts of energy...
Good to hear I'm not the only one. Yes its very embarrassing!! I will keep you updated if I discover a new technique that works.
Thanks Bobbie. Zach is 6 months old so approaching the kev stage lol... I agree with my dog its impossible to get him back after he has made eye contact. That said I've seen plenty of other well trained dogs go trotting back after theyve made eye contact. Wont give up, wish me luck!!

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.

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!