idiots guide to teaching recall please.

[AtYourCervix]

I'm out of practise and BigPuppy needs to learn manners.

So far he's stuck to us like glue but getting more confident so I'd like him to at least consider coming back when called.

Is a long line and sausage bribery the way forward?

[lostblonde86]

For our pups we've always started off in te house, I'd sit in the bathroom and hubby in bedroom (there is a straight line between rooms) and we call pup between us with loads of fuss and play, once they have got that we'll call them round the house to come to us when we're in different rooms, then when we feel pup is ready do this on walks when not many others are around.

Or maybe try a training class to get the recall?

Good luck

[topbannana]

Same as lost initially ^^ We do it all the time, it really is time well spent.
As soon as jabs are done then I we take our pups out and let them go (as I have nerves of steel!)
They never go anywhere because they are so small all they want is to stay with you. Recall as above again, always treating and making a fuss. Release often rather than just recall to put the lead back on. It just sort of goes on from there (or at least it always has done in the past. As we are at 6 months now I should tread with care :o)
BigPuppy is older though isn't he?
I am always careful to try an ensure that I only recall when the pup is either heading towards me or looking at a loss for something to do. Trying to recall when a puppy is engaged in something is a sure way to fail and then instill that recall can be ignored

[MoaningMingeWhingesAgain]

What they said.
I used food treats plus a long line, praise etc. Then as we went on, calling them back and treating at random intervals - as they soon learn not to come if you only call them back when it's time to go home

[Whogivesashit]

I use a whistle. Started round the house first and gave treats. Now he always comes back on the whistle while we're out.

[moosemama]

I agree with Whogivesashit, a whistle is the best way to go. It always sounds the same and is a totally consistent signal that you can condition the dog to understand means you want him back now. You do have to remember to have a whistle with you at all times, but they're not expensive, so you can easily keep one in every coat pocket and have a few spares around as back up. I use an ACME 211.5.

This book is absolutely fabulous for teaching a bomb-proof recall in easy, clear, step-by-step stages and you can have a quick peek at how to get started on the Amazon 'look inside' feature even before the book arrives.

[AtYourCervix]

Great. Thanks. Will order book. And a big pile of whistles.

[littlewhitebag]

After i fell out with my dog this morning i have gone back to basics with recall. I dug out my Total Recall book and took a long leash plus the whistles and loads of treats to the park this afternoon. DD and i had a great time getting her to run between when we shouted come and blew the whistle. I took a jackpot treat of a pouch of cat food. Later on when she was in the garden i shouted come and she raced inside and screeched to a halt at my feet staring at me expectantly. I was not expecting a result like that so quickly! Luckily i had some tasty treats to hand! It really does work1

[Whogivesashit]

Hi Everlong, Yes, our dog has very good recall on the whistle. He's 18 months old now and he's recall used to be crap! It's not always perfect ie; if he sees a deer he may chase but I give a firm long blast on the whistle and a loud NO! Then he will come back. If he's playing with other dogs I just walk away a blast on the whistle and he comes running he gets a treat every time he comes back.

Like I said before start in the house when he's in the garden or otherwise distracted just a quick blow and he'll come see what the fuss is then always treat immediately.
Give it a go! Good Luck.