Recall

Hey all,

I'm trying to train Bella with recall but its abit frustrating (shes around 6 month American bulldog X Staff) one day she will be perfect come straight back to me when I call here the next day no chance it took me 10 minutes to get her to come back to me the other day (she loves stealing other dogs balls and running off with them).

I don't want to keep her on her lead all the time at the park beause she loves socialising/playing with all the dogs (very friendly dog park none of them on leads unless they are vicious). The other week was the part what bothered me most as she ran up to some kids which were scared of dogs and jumped up one of them to say hello.

I use a box with treats in which I shake when I want her back which seems to be working, is this the right thing to do?

Thanks

Long line, or flexi lead for now Its not going to be forever and if she wants to play with a dog let her off lead tey will play with each other, find what works for you Xx

The Long line sounds like a good idea janey.

Its ace seeing her playing with the other dogs off her lead its just that 1% of the time she doesn't listen.

BUT she is still young so I can't really complain. The only thing what bothers me is the kids if she jumps up and accidentally scratches them.

She is young and if your 99% of the way there at that age then your doing something right, but running up to kids or another dog is a no no for all your sakes Xx

My trainer said that you need to crouch down with open arms and use their name and the come/recall command, then praise and reward with treat when they come back. It's all to do with their line of vision.

densil wrote:My trainer said that you need to crouch down with open arms and use their name and the come/recall command, then praise and reward with treat when they come back. It's all to do with their line of vision.

Defo agree with this, try and be as positive and encouraging as possible, i always found if i shouted a little angrily in frustration Diesel ignored me even more! lol
You can also try making loud and exciting noises(the sillier the better), basically try and look more interesting than whatever has their attention, you feel a bit silly at first but eventually they will come with less and less encouragement!

If you cannot trust your dog to return to you 100% of the time it should not be off it's lead. Having a dog out of control in a public place is subject to an automatic fine and does not help with the already dodgy reputation of the breed. The other danger is that your friendly dog approaches a dangerous dog on its lead but it might still result in your dog being injured.

My Fiver is great at recall unless there are other dogs around or people playing with footballs, so where this is the case he stays on his lead until he learns. We use a long line in parks and this prevents him getting into bother, I'd recommend them

lots and lots of practice and amazing treats to come back to. Think they're still going to ignore us sometimes though. Have you tried a whistle? That seems to call Tash back if she's with other dogs and running off into the woods with them the little hussy