16/02/2025
Let's talk recall.
I do not use e-collars, pinch collars, or slip collars. Over the course of my life, I’ve had many dogs, and with over 10 years of experience as a professional dog trainer, I’ve seen it all. I initially started with a more balanced approach (though I find that term misleading), using choke chains and martingales. I even alpha-rolled my first large dog—a German Shepherd mix—before fully immersing myself in the journey of dog training.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked with countless dogs, including rehabilitating special case dogs for the Walvis Bay SPCA, as well as providing training for both private clients and group classes. Despite my passion, I’ve found myself stepping back from training dogs at times, as the biggest challenge isn’t the dogs—it’s the people.
I’ll admit, I can be short-tempered and irritable at times. Life can be tough, and those frustrations sometimes affect my relationship with my dogs. My mom has been unwell for over two months, and I’ve been very aware of how that stress impacts my dogs. During particularly challenging times, I avoid training, as it would only lead to chaos for everyone involved.
One of the key challenges I face is the lack of consistency, self-awareness, and honesty in many handlers, particularly when it comes to companion dogs in home settings. I’m not talking about dog sports—I’m referring to everyday dogs in everyday homes. While I don’t expect perfection from either end of the leash, I do expect handlers to possess more insight and understanding than their dogs. Unfortunately, this is often lacking. Critical thought is another rare quality I encounter, but it's essential for progress.
A major issue I see is that many people expect too much too soon, without putting in the necessary effort. I understand life is busy, but if you’re considering bringing a puppy into your life, particularly one from an active breed, you need to genuinely assess whether you have the time and commitment to meet their needs.
Consistency is key. Remember, you’re working with a species that doesn’t understand human language. If you don’t want your puppy chewing your shoes, don’t give them an old shoe to chew. Use the same cue words consistently—don’t alternate between “down,” “lie,” and “platz.” Pick one and stick with it. It may seem like common sense, but you'd be surprised at how often it's overlooked.
Let’s talk about recall. Why do so many people struggle with this? The answer is simple: there’s no consistent relationship between the handler and the dog. When given freedom, the dog just isn’t invested. In fact, many dogs haven’t even been taught their own name. I’ve had clients whose dogs don’t even acknowledge them when called. This is more common than you might think.
Yes, some dogs do have genuine behavioral issues due to factors like genetics or health, but these cases are far less common than the issues caused by an incompetent handler.
If you want a dog who reliably comes back, you need to make sure they actually want to be around you. While this is easier with some breeds than others, the fundamental approach remains the same. I currently have a 9-month-old Dobermann and a 15-week-old German Pinscher. They are both reliable off-leash because I’ve made it worth their while to come back, consistently practicing recalls during every walk with treats and praise. I apply the same approach with my 4-year-old Dobermann, my 11-year-old Jack Russell Terrier (whom we inherited at 8 years old), and our 11-year-old rescue Chihuahua (we adopted when she was 9).
There’s no magic to it, no quick fix. It’s about consistency, positive reinforcement, and building a strong bond. This process takes time, but with patience and dedication, the results speak for themselves.
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