Koda's recall was coming on really well, he's 6 months now. We go usually round our country park, he's off lead, and he heads off into the bushes. Up until about a week ago his reall was very good, about 90%, however, this last week he's taken to completely ignoring me.

He seems to be after the rabbits and if he picks up a scent he's off. He always finds his way back to us but it's in his own time.

I was told that this happens around this time and that it will pass but I was wondering if anyone could offer any advice? I have a whistle that I trained him to respond to and I always have a pocket of treats that he used to really enjoy. But now the fun of rampaging throught he woods on his own is clearly more fun. We usually have a small pack that Koda would stick with but now he just runs off on his own. If anyone can help I'd be very grateful

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Mummy to 1 puppy, 3 cats, 3 chickens, 2 guinea pigs and 2 small children

Most dogs seem to forget everything when they hit their teens - I know mine certainly did
Zipper was a nightmare from 8 - 18 months but is tons better now.
Training becomes 1 step forward 2 steps back for a while - but keep persevering it will get better - 2 steps forward 1 step back

I would get a long line and use that for a few months, he won't have any choice but to obey you then -
That's what I did and now mine are 95% ok - food and flying birds are my downfall, but I'm working on it.

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A dog Possesses Beauty without Vanity,Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, And all the Virtues of Man without his Vices.

have you tried turning and walking in the oposite direction? possibly even running in the other direction.
You must call their name - if your dog looks back immediately go run the other way. If he looks back after 10 seconds then run the other way then, but try not to look back untill you hear him coming. Treats/fussing when he comes Do this though where there are no distractions, an empty field isalways best.

Yes if I catch him early enough and shout GO GO GO and run, he follows. But if he's got a rabbit and is chasing it I can't get him back.

I'd try the long line suggestion but there are so many bushes in the country park it could be a logistical nightmare. Perhaps a new location? where he isn't so familier?

Thanks for the advice

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Mummy to 1 puppy, 3 cats, 3 chickens, 2 guinea pigs and 2 small children

New location is a great idea, mine get a bit to brave if we go to the same place every time and wander off a bit to far.
So new place may mean he sticks a little closer.

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A dog Possesses Beauty without Vanity,Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, And all the Virtues of Man without his Vices.

This afternoon we are getting him hooked up to the scooter for the first time. Just for a little jaunt up a very straight bit of track we know. Then I'll let him off for a play at some woods at the end. He's not familiar with it so it might be a bit better.

Wish me luck he he

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Mummy to 1 puppy, 3 cats, 3 chickens, 2 guinea pigs and 2 small children

What do you do with him when he gets back to you? If you look at it from Koda's point of view, do I go chase the rabbits, or do I go back for a treat in my own time because I'll get that anyway?

I practise a recall on walks regularly, but I will mix it in with a bit of fun training occasionally to give them a reason to come back. This morning I had both the chocolate girls out, and there were deer returning to a wood up ahead, which Tau hadn't spotted and I didn't want her chasing them. So I blew the stop whistle, which got her attention, she broke slightly towards me, so I held up my hand for her to reinforce the command, and after she'd stood for a few seconds (which would have been long enough for me to redirect or give her the hunt whistle if I'd planted something for her to retrieve) I blew the recall. Her return back was very fast and enthusiastic, because she'd got the stop bit right she had 'achieved' something. Dogs like winning and getting things right, much more than a bag of cheddar cubes which they know they'll be getting in any case. It doesn't take much to give them that sense of achievement, which mixed in generally with walks/training, gives you a good recall. Usually I'll have a pocket full of tennis balls, which I'll drop or throw to one side, so following a recall, they get the bonus of a retrieve - all informal and fun.

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The British Association for Shooting & Conservation
Countryside Alliance



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I try and give him a treat but he often just runs past me regardless. Food doesn't seem to be as interesting to him. Your dogs sound really well trained. I'll have to become more interesting won't I.

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Mummy to 1 puppy, 3 cats, 3 chickens, 2 guinea pigs and 2 small children

PMSL!! Well trained, you wouldn't have said that if you'd seen Tau running full pelt after a deer that had bolted past her this morning, daft chuffin' thing!!! I'd managed to stop her from seeing them initially, and the one mad creature decided to break from woodland and run straight past her, far too tempting, and pointless to try and stop her once she'd started chasing.

Dogs aren't robots, and mine certainly have their moments!!

And the mistake I made, I didn't have one tennis ball or dummy on me, so after that with her adrenalin sky high, she was all over the place. Must remember to take tennis balls with me wherever I go ..............

__________________
The British Association for Shooting & Conservation
Countryside Alliance



Follow my art here http://tarimoorart.blogspot.com/