Teaching recall and off lead walking

[BB49]

We have a wonderful 3yo rescue who has been with us nearly 2 years. We also have a fantastic 9yo golden retriever who walks off lead, but I am too nervous to let the rescue off lead, as she has a strong prey drive and although her recall works fine with no distractions (like in a dog walking field) I am not sure I trust her like I do my golden retriever, who will disappear regularly on walks but always comes back and rejoins me. I'd be keen to hear of any tips. Or should I use a trainer?

Have you tried using a long line attached to a harness? Keep hold of the end and reel her in if she ignores recall.

I agree, try a long line lead. You could try a trainer if that doesn't work.
What sort of breeds does your rescue have in her? assuming that she's a cross. I ask that because some breeds just can't be let off unless you're in a dog field or similar. They aren't losing out if they get enough of a walk. We have a lurcher, they're a greyhound crossed with a terrier, double the prey drive and a sight hound to boot. He's killed a squirrel while on an extendable lead! There are some characteristics you can't train out.

@deadpan we think Jack Russell crossed with possibly some greyhound but she’s a medium sized dog and quite muscly.

Try a long lead and use a very excitable voice when calling her back. Reward her when she returns, whether that be a treat or a ball to play with.

When you say "strong prey drive" what would she chase? If she's a danger to wildlife, cats or tiny dogs then she shouldn't be let off the lead, or at least should be muzzled.

Your pup is lovely OP.
We got a 100% recall from our highly prey oriented Jack Russell by playing what we called 'back and forth game' with her. DH and I would stand increasingly far apart with high value food treats. Then we'd call her back and forth giving her a fuss and treat every time she returned and did a sit. We'd do that say half a dozen times, then move on somewhere else and 20 minutes later do it again.

It made her think that every 'come' meant a very high value treat and a fuss.

She was like clockwork with recall within a couple of weeks. Her greed was a big part of the success 😂Only once has she let me down and it was rabbit related.

She’d probably chase squirrels, rabbits, deer and cats I imagine.

I think it’s absolutely fine to keep your dog on a long lead, allowing them to sniff as long as they need and potter along at their own pace. Too many people let their dogs off lead when their recall isn’t good enough and this can result in all sorts of issues, from rushing up to other dogs who may not enjoy the encounter, to chasing animals potentially across main roads, to accidentally scaring children by rushing by.
It’s a great idea to work on recall in case you need it in an emergency, but it’s also fine to accept your dog will have on lead walls for the foreseeable. In many countries they have leash laws which mean no off lead dogs in lots of places and the dogs still have happy, fulfilled lives.

She's gorgeous! She looks like she possibly has collie too.
I always err on the side of caution since years ago I was talked in to letting my first rescue off (Staffie Lab cross). To cut a very long story short I couldn't find him for an hour or so.

Have you tried a toy? I've had one that was frisbee obsessed, one ball obsessed. I have to hide it for the first part of the walk but the second I bring it out the dog is next to me.

If they run off out of sight I literally just have to whisper "frisbee" and there they are.

@Breadpool she actually doesn’t play with toys at all, which is a shame!

I was just going to suggest the same - a favourite toy is how our 90% reliable pooch became absolutely cast iron. Can highly recommend a cricket reactor ball - my dog goes absolutely nuts for these and you also don’t have to throw very hard to get the distance.

Lovely dog. Have you read 'Total Recall' by Pippa Mattisen?

www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/total-recall-book-pippa-mattinson-9781846891496?sku=GOR004451743&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19891791290&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIo6nO3djcjwMVsKRQBh1z-AniEAQYASABEgIoqfD_BwE

Seconding Pippa Mattison Total Recall. Follow it to the letter. My pup will recall back from sheep now.

Definitely use a long line in the meantime. It allows some freedom and also reinforces a natural parameter you want to allow them to roam to.

Amazon sell rubberised ones which mean a quick wash down, no soaking wet leads to take in the house. I generally use the 5m one for every day walks but also have a 15m one too, for beaches and new places.

I would consider whistle training if I were you. Working with a behaviourist ATM ( terrier teenage rescue with high drive and a v short attention span).

Start in the house. Throw a high value treat and as soon as they approach you for more, blow short sharp whistles until they are at your feet and sitting. Only do this when they are coming to you. Do this 10 X day.

Once this is happening 100% of the time indoors, try it in outdoors where you have no distractions (dog field/ similar).

It's been a revolution for mine.

Also. Marker word training. If you are out and the dog something you like (use your unique word, we use YIP) and reward. We do this if he sits unprompted when we stop. Or if he gives a check in look when he is in front of us. Or a polite greeting with another dog eyc. It's teaching them what behaviours you want and allowing them the autonomy to choose to make that good decision.

@McKinneyWinny thank you, so many useful tips! That rubber lead looks good. I will get the book that is recommended as well :)