Training recall

[dh90 6]

Pup 8 month now, bedlington whippet grey, and recall just isnt what i was hoping for. With his fav treats i.e. bits of meat he is great but as soon as they go or something better comes up he does his own thing. Read somewhere to train with a long lead so just wondered how to go about it. Also any tips on training retrieve will be much appreciated. he will do it in a corridoor where he has to pass me or for more meat but anywhere else he just runs off with it.

[Casso 1,261]

Pup 8 month now, bedlington whippet grey, and recall just isnt what i was hoping for. With his fav treats i.e. bits of meat he is great but as soon as they go or something better comes up he does his own thing. Read somewhere to train with a long lead so just wondered how to go about it. Also any tips on training retrieve will be much appreciated. he will do it in a corridoor where he has to pass me or for more meat but anywhere else he just runs off with it.

 

 

Funny age for a pup, he's into his teenage era at 8 months, dogs are well known for throwing the deaf ear at that stage, whatever you do ,dont lose it with him, he'll pick up on you very quick, Try different treats, eg, dont give the same treat twice in a row, in the same session, bit of cheese first, chicken , meat, its a lot of hassle but it gets the dog interest in you, because he dont know whats coming next. Food is not every dogs motivator but you know your dog better than anyone, the old bill use play treats with their animals, and it works, very well, you could try that and see how he gets on , What ever you do , keep it light hearted,,best of luck,

[Guest stewie]

tit bit training is only good for young pups mate the dog sounds like its learnt that you dont always have a biscuit on you when you call it but it should just come when you call anyway because you said so!! just be a bit harsher on him dont let him get away with anything you say no too ALWAYS make sure he knows your top dog

[Mickey Finn 3,034]

tit bit training is only good for young pups mate the dog sounds like its learnt that you dont always have a biscuit on you when you call it but it should just come when you call anyway because you said so!! just be a bit harsher on him dont let him get away with anything you say no too ALWAYS make sure he knows your top dog

 

You use the long lead to haul him in. Step up the game when he's in front of you make him sit. This will help him to understand that he has to do what you say. Only use as much force as you need to. Like casso said. Don't lose it. Same as with everything else. It's important to end on a happy note.

[all.rounder 3]

i think they all go through a period at about that age between 8 and 12 months.just keep at it.

[Hannah4181 260]

I would agree with the age being an issue as well, it can happen at around the 8mth mark that everything you taught them seems to just vanish! Very frustrating!

 

I tend to do a puppy refresher Back to basics at around this age for a couple of weeks, very short recalls and retrieves, a couple each session, lots of praise and then do something else.

 

I also find that as the dog matures their confidence etc does too . . . . . pups will always stay with you at a young age because they are scared, as they get braver with age they tend to stray further afield. I technique i have always used with training recall is hiding . . sounds daft but it works brilliantly. Call the dog when out for a walk, if he does't come back straight away, wait until he's not looking and literally hide! Behind a tree, some cover anything . . the idea is that you can still see him but he can't see you . . . He should on realising that your not in sight, panic and come hurtling back, desperate to find you .Lots and lots of praise when he does.

 

In my experience of this technique it has absolutely nailed the dogs recall, i keep doing it randomly or when they appear a little deaf! I find it makes them keep more of an eye on you whilst out for fear of you leaving them.

 

Just a little warning, be sure your in an area well away from roads and traffic, the first few times you do it the dog can appear to bolt in panic to find you, obviously in open farm land this is not an issue. I did have one pup that literally took off like a rocket in totally the wrong direction, most will run then stop, look around for you, or use their nose, this guy just bolted, i had to come out and call him, which in this instance worked the same as he was returning to my recall anyway.

[dh90 6]

Thanks will try everything suggested. just thought by 8 month he should be getting somewhere, worst thing is some days he's perfect with recall then others he completely ignores me. Retrieve is also realy bad, he will do it in a confined space i.e. corridoor but anywhere else he just runs off with it.

[nasher1 258]

Persevere with him and try what the others have said, but from what you say I think he knows what you want him to do he but he only complies when he feels like it, I would give him till about twelve months and if he's still playing up invest in a shock collar, they can do wonders for recall and training but make sure you try everthing else first. atb nasher

[dh90 6]

he knows what you want him to do he but he only complies when he feels like it,

Couldnt of put it better me self, thats exactly what its like

[tote 856]

he knows what you want him to do he but he only complies when he feels like it,

Couldnt of put it better me self, thats exactly what its like

 

 

So you need to be pedantic mate, if you say "come here" he has to return to you. If he thinks he can get away with it when he wants to he will, give him an inch an he'll take a mile.

 

First thing I'd do is to do away with the treats, they might be okay for a very young pup but not for one at 8 months.

It sounds like he's coming for the treat not coming because you called/whistled, so if he's got something more interesting than a treat infront of him he just ignores you.

 

Hannah offers some good advice when she mentions hiding, you could also turn and walk the other way when he ignores your recall, that usually gets them to come back as they think they are being left behind. Whatever you do be persistant, firm but fair and eventually he'll realise that you are in charge, not him.