Dog Training

[spotit3]

A few weeks ago I got a lot of help from ABers re my dog pulling on the lead when walking and a few other problems. Thanks to everyonwho replied she is now brilliant and a pleasure to take for a walk.

There is only one thing I can't seem to get the hang of and that is recall. In the garden she comes straight to me but when anywhere else she just comes if she feels like it . If something more interesting appears I haven't a hope of her listening to me. Would be more than greatful for any advice. Don't know what I would do without this site!

[barb1314]

You've had loads of advice but thought I'd also mention whistle training.We've trained Lottie to the whistle,also using liver treats! (very common theme here!!) We found a large safe field, so no distractions, with me and OH standing at each end. One whistle blow and recall gets a treat. We did that for about 2 weeks ,off and on, when we had time,then did it in all different places. I find it really useful on a very windy day when it's hard for them to hear your voice. I work as a dog walker and quite a few of my clients dogs are whistle trained too. Always helpful when I often walk 6!!

[spotit3]

Thanks Barb1314, I actually do have a whistle. My difficulty is that I am usually on my own as I am a widow and anywhere I walk there always seems to be a lot of other dogs and don't want to take the risk of annoying people who have their dog fully under control. Agree with you a whistle would be easier to hear.

[Kassee]

I took my dog out with my little girl and we both took it in turns to call her, we would stand a long way apart and call whilst hitting our thighs for her to come, call her again and again by name and then make a big fuss when she came. Then when she was me, my daughter would call her, and she (dog) would rush off again to my daughter, when she arrived, I would call her.

It was a game we played, she loved it and had a good run at the same time, back and forth between us. Now she is two and I never ever have any problem with recall, I still often bend down and hit my thighs whilst calling her name and make a fuss of her when she comes. But she is no trouble at all and comes to me straight away. She's a labradoodle.

[islasmum]

When my Belgian Shepherd was younger, I kept her on a long lead until I was sure of her recall - she used to get very distracted when out for walks, so using a long line I knew that I could always get her back - also you have to be very quick to see if she has suddenly seen something that you haven't, and get the recall command in first. I'm very pleased to say that she responds very well to being called, as she knows that she will get praised (and maybe a treat) when she comes back. Also when you recall your dog, get them to come right up in front of you, and sit, so you can get the lead on whilst they are still calm and waiting for the treat/praise. I started doing this when she was about four months old and by the time she was 9 - 10 months old she was very good. Good luck with your dog - it's nice to be able to use AB for the many different opinions we all have, and I'm going to try the chicken treats for mine tomorrow!

[spotit3]

Thanks, Islasmum. I didn't get Bonnie until she was about a year old. She was unwanted and had obviously never had any training so it has been tough but she is improving well. Just wondered what length is your long lead and where did you get it as it sounds a great way to train her.
Fully agree with you, AB is great!