Cracking the recall

[SirChenjins]

How the heck do you get them to come back to you?! ChenPup is 13 months and from the beginning we've tried having him off the lead but his recall is so bad we've kind of given up. They are supposed to stick by your side as puppies as you feed them treats and reward them, but he definitely didn't get that memo. I practise in the house - all good. I recall him on his long lead and he comes back 60-70% of the time with click/treats waiting for him. I've had him on a trailing lead a few times so I can stand on it and that's not gone well - he would approach every other dog and bolted off into the distance twice, so I don't feel at all confident.

What's the secret - just keep practising in the secure dog field? Trailing lead? Something else? I feel I'm destined to have an on-lead dog forever - it would be lovely for him to be off lead and be trusted not to approach on lead dogs/people going about their daily walks etc.

You need to do loads and loads and loads of proofing in quiet areas. If food is not motivating use a toy. Say recall word and play with toy. Toy only appears when recall word is said.

Do this indoors for days, then move on if appropriate. Do it with food on the side and recall from the food etc BUT do not rush it.

You are looking for a conditioned response to the word. A flick back to you the minute your say the word. If you are not getting the flick back response in quiet areas do not add in any distractions.

If dogs are a big distraction do not try recall near dogs for a while. Keep on long line DO NOT USE recall cue but move your dog away with the lead. If you use the cue when there is no chance of a recall you will bugger up any recall you had.

If you want a detailed plan to follow use Pippa Mattinson Total Recall - do not rush it practice it, and take your time. Your dog has a learned behaviour of ignoring recall so it will take time to establish (but that is fine!)

Also teach another behaviour when he sees dogs and people. So rather than chase up to them he returns to you does the behaviour and then you can choose to let him meet and greet. Look at That, in the Book Controlled Unleased by Leslie McDevitt is a good behaviour and method to work on.

That's brilliant @Ivedonethisthreetimesalready thanks so much, and I'll definitely get those books - they look really good.