Getting Back Into Training Recalls

So, I’ve decided to dedicate the next 8 weeks of training to fine-tuning the recalls with my two dogs. And I will be sharing some of my experiences, stories and challenges with you through this blog.

With this new undertaking, I will need to re-visit the basics and re-build the foundation that is necessary to getting an AMAZING recall.

The very first thing that I need to do is to build value to being near me. Which means that I will be playing lots of games with my dogs (fetch, play-wrestle, etc).

Why you ask? Because no dog in their right mind would ever come to an angry owner or one that takes the fun and freedom away.

My goal is to get my dogs to ABSOLUTELY LOVE being near me.

And because most dogs will see the owner grabbing the collar as a total loss of fun and freedom (think of an owner clipping on the leash), I will also be playing the collar-grab game.

This involves touching the dog’s neck or collar and then immediately giving a treat.

Although I’ve done this extensively with my dogs when they were puppies, it has been quite a long time and a refresher would be quite beneficial.

Next, I will gradually add distance between my dogs and I while continuing  to play these two training games.

Remember, whenever you train anything with your dog, the foundation is always the most important. You always want to make sure that you train it correctly so that you don’t have to go back later on as you add more “layers” of complexity to the behavior.

Until next time, take care!
Jean