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6 month old lost recall completely

17 replies

NotQuiteUsual · 02/06/2021 08:21

My lovely 6 month old Newfoundland cross has always been pretty decent to train, she learns quickly but can be a bit stubborn. She's also always been very overexcited when it comes to getting any attention. Always wanted to jump at people and dogs while walking. She no longer jumps at people and is almost there with other dogs. Because of this she hasn't had much time off lead, except in controlled circumstances.

We go every morning to the field near the house and she gets some time off lead if the field is empty, has dogs we know in it or anyone else is far enough away that she won't be bothered. We've practiced recall most days since she was a baby. She was getting really good at it too. We were managing recalls while playing with other dogs and all sorts. But the last week it's just gone completely. She's not been running away from me or anything and is fine about me putting the lead back on when it's time. But she will only come to me in her own time at her slow ambling pace. Even if I run in the opposite direction and act super exciting and daft I can't tempt her over. Im getting a long line and a harness for her, but wondering what I can do to get her recall back up to scratch. I don't want to stop her having the chance to run around and play, but she's too big to be allowed to be unpredictable.

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Pleasedontsayyouloveme · 02/06/2021 08:54

Ignore my suggestion if she doesn't like food.

I made myself a human treat dispenser. Every time she looks at you, 'clever girl here's a treat!' Even if she's 60 feet away. Then randomly on your walk go 'oh what's this..!' And point at the floor next to you and let a treat roll out of your hand into the grass. Pretty soon you = great things, and she's more likely to stay in the ball to listen out for you.

If you call her and she doesn't turn on a pin and come, go get her straight away. Don't get into the habit of calling her again, then maybe once more just a bit louder in case she didn't hear, as the selective hearing will become more and more selective. Get it nipped in the bud. Long line is great for this stage too, you can give her a tug if she's ignored you instead of going to fetch her!

Pleasedontsayyouloveme · 02/06/2021 08:55

I also play 'find it' with mine. They hear me go 'ready...' and come running ready for me to fling a treat somewhere and off they go to sniff it out.

NotQuiteUsual · 02/06/2021 09:03

We've definitely tailed off on the treats lately as she's been looking a touch pudgy and I wanted to keep on top of that. I'll have a look into some low fat treat options and start up the treating again. I've started using sprats for successes like sitting instead of trying to bowl over pugs in her excitement.

Now I think about it I've been doing a lot less random 'look at me' commands to keep her on the ball. It's also half term and she's been in heaven with the kids being home. I wonder if she's distracted because she wants to get home to them. She was more attentive when my son came on the walk yesterday but not at her best still. Thank you for taking the time to reply, it's given me a lot of think about Grin looking forward to giving it all a try.

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tabulahrasa · 02/06/2021 09:06

It’s really normal for them to do that btw, suddenly go... nah, I’m not coming back actually as they start to go from wee puppies into teenagers.

Pleasedontsayyouloveme · 02/06/2021 09:06

I'm really mean and take kibble out on dog walks for treats. I have golden retrievers though and anything that smells foody gets inhaled! It's easier to give them a bit less breakfast or dinner then to make up for if they've had quite a lot of treats.

Got any photos of her?! My uncle has a full Newfie, love them Grin

Wolfiefan · 02/06/2021 09:09

Total Recall is a FAB book.
I know what you mean about bigger dogs and needing them to behave! I have wolfhounds.
Mine LOVE a tiny piece of dried liver as a treat. Instant recall! Grin

NotQuiteUsual · 02/06/2021 09:12

And since I cannot resist showing her off. This is the face I have to try and be firm with Grin I mean look at her. How am I supposed to be serious around this silly girl.

6 month old lost recall completely
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Wolfiefan · 02/06/2021 09:12

OMG! That face. 😍

Giggorata · 02/06/2021 09:18

She's beautiful!
Our 5 month pup has just started a teenage phase. I am going to try Pleasedontsayyouloveme's suggestions to make being around me a better proposition than looking for fresh horse poo. Sigh.

NotQuiteUsual · 02/06/2021 09:23

@Giggorata I never knew I'd have to compete with horse poo for attention. Let alone loose to it Sad

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Pleasedontsayyouloveme · 02/06/2021 09:26

Oh wow she's smashing! She looks like she could be a bull in a china shop when she gets the zoomies Grin What's she crossed with?

NotQuiteUsual · 02/06/2021 09:43

Her mum is half Newfie and half Great Pyrenees. So both big breeds. She is an absolute Bull in a China shop, lots of scattering of claws on laminate flooring and random thump sounds from the kitchen when she gets going Smile she is lovely, even if she doesn't always want to listen.

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Pleasedontsayyouloveme · 02/06/2021 15:06

Let us know how you get on, with photos too 😍

My uncle's current Newfie boy is 11, such a snuggly beast of a bear.

NotQuiteUsual · 03/06/2021 07:44

This morning went well!!! I did some 'look at me' round the park and made myself all exciting to be around. She sat and waited nicely when a small dog passed and didn't try to catch at least 1 of the blackbirds!

Anyway at the field she clearly had a low attention span today so I focused on treating her every time she came to me on her own accord. Then did a couple recalls near the end once she had realised seeing me means treats. You can see her enthusiasm for the recall here Grin

So small progress today plus I felt a lot more confident with a plan. Just need to get her to be less insane in general and we'll be grand. Everyone who said Newfies are gentle giants was a liar. They're like giant toddlers who act up half the day then spend the other half sulking with guilt over it.

6 month old lost recall completely
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villainousbroodmare · 03/06/2021 07:51

The very best reward can be an immediate release.

Pleasedontsayyouloveme · 03/06/2021 14:59

I worry for your knees @NotQuiteUsual I can feel the crash as she collides into you sooner or later Grin

Theoscargoesto · 03/06/2021 19:39

She’s gorgeous. I second Total Recall. Even if you don’t follow the entire programme, it’s got some great ideas about how to keep your dog looking for you (rather than vice versa...)

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