Getting good recall

[newinvention 0]

Hi, I'm new here and really interested in people's posts.

 

We've just adopted a young lurcher from a rescue - not sure his cross, but looks like a bedlington/whippet (?), tho is cream in colour. His history isn't known but the rescue say he's 10-12 months old. He's been neutered and is lovely and calm in the house so far.

 

Outside, though, he's a very keen rabbiter, or appears to be. We have a small field with a few rabbits in it and he spends all his time out there trying to get at them in the hedge. It doesn't bother me if he rabbits at all - our saluki x whippet catches rabbits and squirrels when she can - but my question with this dog is how can I ensure he'll come back to me when I do let him offlead on a walk? How do you guys teach recall to dogs that are trained to hunt? Our saluki x we had from a pup and I trained her with a whistle and her recall is not bad now - I'd say pretty reliable. Do I just do the same thing with this young chap (ie start with the whistle in the house with treats/toys etc)? Is there anything particular I should or should not do?

 

We're not planning on working him - he's just gonna be a pet. I just wanna be sure he'll be as reliable as possible when we do let him offlead.

 

I'm planning on taking him to puppy classes for basic obedience.

 

Thanks for any ideas.

[sandymere 8,263]

Training classes as planned is a good idea.

When you call the pup make it exciting and it'll want to return.

[bird 9,985]

Training classes as planned is a good idea.

When you call the pup make it exciting and it'll want to return.

 

Spot on plus a little titbit can always help.

 

BIRD

[newinvention 0]

Thanks for this - he's very food oriented and seems to already know the whistle, so I think we're off to a good start.

[whippet08 8]

Thanks for this - he's very food oriented and seems to already know the whistle, so I think we're off to a good start.

 

a whisstle is very good to use for recall as it shows no emotion, as your voice may,ie come here! said loudly will make the dog think your angry and he wont want to come,just always praise him and make it enjoyable for him to come too you,never be angry when he comes back too you no matter how long it takes him,and also dont repeat your command,enforce it or if hes taking the pi** walk away he should follow ,then praise, my first lurcher is now 12months old and shes coming along lovely its great when they click with ya,

hope this helps.