Recall - practice and Proof
Recall!
Is all about repetition and proofing
The two labs have been working on their whistle recalls extensively the last two weeks.
We started in the kitchen - then on long lines in the garden and been working our way up to off leash in a dog park.
Two key things to bear in mind during training
The two golden rules
1) understanding the cue -
2) the will to comply
You need both of your recall is to succeed.
What does “here!” “Come!” “Toot toot” mean?
It’s a promise that good things are about to happen - follow the videos in Train With Tilly for help.
“Is the promise of good things worth the effort to stop what I’m doing and come all the way back?”
When we accidentally only recall in order to put the Lead back on - nah your ok.
I’ve got affection/rewards and feel goods with your name on it! Yeah ok - whenever you want!
Dog parks are some of the best places to practice! At least 2 visits a week to our local dog park are included in your dogs residency!!
Following the leader
Practising follow is more important than practicing recall!
Desensitisation is more important than socialisation!
Focus is more important than lead work!
Foundation training gives the Dog, the knowledge of what we want them to choose to do when they have other options. The environments shape the Dog, so you can shape the environment which will lead to different choices.
In this game, as a warmup, each Dog took turns on lead (see comments for example) and therefore got all the attention. This teaches each individual Dog, where the best place to be is-right next to you!
So when the leads are off all the dogs that circle of reward stays the same
Desensitising the environment
Lead manners are part of our every day staples of training, and something that happens after play out in different environments.
Using this positive reinforcement technique, we can effectively “employ” the Dog to OFFER us the behaviours we want, making walks more enjoyable and more desirable.
Harsh corrections and lead tugs can take away the ability to OPT OUT - effectively making the “floor lava” which is not the best way to motivate.
It is also a great Mental stimulation game as the dog has to predict what the handle is going to do next and what is required of them.
Lead manners in public
Dennis 2 year old lab - day two of residency
We are all a bit guilty of getting out the car and off we go! Going out of the front door and off we go!!
Training, warm-ups, especially in the early stages are the difference between successful walk and a distracted one.
Total training volume - or practice to success, creates better distance, better distractions, better duration, and make long difficult human walks possible!
Play & Train - impulse control
My own dog, Tilly and Buffy were out for a fun playing train today as we worked around in post control and distance. Having the ability to communicate with your canine companion at a distance is so important for off lead adventures!
Going public
Today we took Rin to our local town Aberlour to practice everything we have covered so far during his stay.
We had. A great big play before we headed out and then explored people passing - dogs walking - birds 🦅 hanging around and practiced being calm and chilled whilst we had breakfast.
Very proud how this chap is getting on!
Working as a team
Team work really does make the dream work!
Wrestling & chasing is all very good and fun - a great way for like minded dogs to set boundaries and bond
However all too often - that’s all that happens - excitement levels go through the roof and just like Auntie used to warn “it’ll all end in tears”
It is far better to have polite play before learning to work as a team / especially if you have multiple dogs in your household.
We played these games after a big run around Rabbit rock. Rin has improved so much this week he can easily show he can be calm - attentive and in control!
On & off lead HEEL training
Today we were back at Rabbit Rock to practice recall and Heel with distractions (Aka Tilly)
First I reinforced the position on lead before practicing off lead.
It was very windy and the dogs love zooming around so I was super impressed with Rosie’s focus today!!
Only two more days before she goes home! :(
Rosie strolling through Aberlour
Rosie’s main goal was Lead Manners - we have come along way! And even people, cars and other dogs are less and less distracting!
Resident Rosie is well into her first week and improving all the time. Today we went to Rabbit Rock Field to practice whistle recalls and impulse control whilst having a jolly good run.
We use our local dog park regularly throughout your dogs stay to build confidnece and experience off lead in a dynamic and safe space to sure up essential life skills!
Day two - focus and work ethic
To warm up for our exploration walk - Rosie and I practiced keeping focus.
The lead (almost) has nothing to do with good lead manners - what we mean by this is building up a synergy where the dog is aware of the owner and follows body movement not tugs and lead pops.
The environment can’t change but your dog’s priorities can! 🙂
We went on to walk around the whole village without pulling!
Whistle recall in the wild highlands.
Whistle recall in distracting places
Recall is vital for a life off lead. Thorough and understandable. Training leads on to practising in a variety of different places. Not only is it fun and fantastic exercise. It is also something we practice every day during your dogs stay.
Barrier / impulse control
Lead pulling usually starts at the front door or in the car park.
We all teach our dogs to sit - but do we always teach them who long for?
Waiting for the green light or talking to friends can be boring for the dog so may wander off.
Good manners and attention start with conditioning and we work towards STEADY natural calm behaviour.
Working in a team
Playing and walking with friends is great! Working as a team is even better. Distractions and the need to play are voluntarily put aside for the joy of working with you!
Training in the real world
We take the dogs outside everyday and practice quality of life skills in the place where it’s needed most - in the real world.
Once foundations are established at home then Proofing begins in a wide variety of outdoor and dynamic environments from parks, towns, beaches and everywhere else.
Whistle recall
The whistle is perhaps the most important piece of safety equipment in our tool box as is perhaps something most dog owners own but few dogs understand - a good recall promises a life of freedom but must first be earned.
Our intensive training gives your dog the understanding to be successful in your training at home.
Foundation lead manners
It all starts with the first step - our force free method of lead walking trachea the dog to prioritise the job at hand - following you. Making for dependable on and off lead walking.
Taking it to the real world enforces trust and confidence
Home style living
When not training - your dog will enjoy country life. Full access to our home with our three dogs. Meet the chickens and turkeys. Rural country walks and regular trips to a secure 6 acre dog park!
