Posted: Tue May 01, 2007 7:02 am Post subject: Recall Question
At one of our training classes over the weekend, we were doing some stay / recalls.
One of the dogs decided that going back to his owner was not the best choice, with a large open field she decided to leg it.. and race offf & have a look about.
So my question is:
If you dog doesnt come when you call it back to you after a stay do you chase after it until you catch it or stay where you are & when you can get the dogs attention call it back.
This poor guy spent 15 minutes walking round the field following his dog, who was having a grand time.
Hmmm I think I would have called it's name then shouted "BYEEE" and run the other way, as if I was going home without it. Then as it was coming towards me (as most do) then said "(name) Come" in my most excited voice, perhaps whilst still running backwards.
I'm really not into chasing or following a dog unless absolutely necessary, like it is about to nick a kids ice cream out of it's hand, I much prefer them to think I'm a slippery devil who they have to keep their eye on, or else I go without them.
Exactly what I thought, we are doing gun dog training & it was the trainer who told us that if the dog runs off we have to chase after it, as it will never come back if you dont
When we were finding this difficult, I would give up, wander off, and then suddenly find the world's bestest stick or stone on the floor and wander off playing with it - he wasn't gone for long!
Hmmmmm that's odd LJ... Ashamed to say but this has happened to me at 2 different gundog training classes and both trainers suggested I use the "bye bye" technique and run in the opposite direction...
Thats what the whole of the class thought, in that training book you can get to go with course one I think thats the big secret it talks about, will have to check.
When we go out I always say bye then if he starts running off & turn and walk in the other direction.
I'm sure all trainers read different books and have different school of thought about most things....I just use what has worked for me.
At our Dog School we are told never to let pups off-lead until they have a reliable recall.......I can't see how you know you have a reliable recall unless you let them off-lead, plus the earlier you let them off the longer you can take advantage of that "need" to be with you....We had to agreed to disagree on that point.....and I carry on doing what I've been doing all my life.
See this is where there is no 'definitive method' in training or even between trainers...
You see you have to know your dog as to what would work. Some enjoy the prancing about of being 'chased'. Some just can't resists charging off but have a good enough 'down' or 'stay' command at a distance to chase them and get within earshot then 'hold them' until you can get to them and put the lead back on.
Generally I wouldn't chase many dogs. Few wouldn't enjoy being followed and chased, even think you are playing the same game!
The problem is, and you have to see this as a trainer. A dog that charges off is a menace to a class. A right royal pain. If you have to hold the whole class up for 10 minutes whilst the person sits in the middle of the field encouraging the dog into them, with everyone else having to keep still to not distract the dog its not fair to the class.
So hence if it happens in a class environment most trainers probably would think 'pah! they can go get that so I can get on teaching those who have a decent recall already!'. Bearing in mind you see that basics should be covered BEFORE starting gundog training and not really need more than a brush up during. All gundog classes ask you have sit, stay, heel and a half decent recall before joining gundog classes....
Hence maybe the slightly dismissive method of catching the dog advised at the gundog classes attended.
To be honest I always have a longline in my kit when taking a class and so if you find this happens once that dog stays on a long line for most of the duration so as to not disturb the rest of the classes momentum every time he gets his chance to do something....
BUt generally, basically, no never chase. Sit on the ground, make funny noises, sing to yourself and clap your hands, walk in the opposite direction etc etc but have the dog eventually come to you.
the only exception is if your dog on a walk runs up to another dog that might turn a bit funny. Then whilst he is entranced by that dog walk up and get hold of him to avoid 'faffing' about with walking away clapping and stuff. The other owner just wants your dog away not you to use it as a training exercise...
Does that help at all?
Di
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The boys!
Read: Wylanbriar Dog Blog on the website: Updated! 1st February 12´!
I find that doind a 'buzzy bee' impression works! I start flapping my arms about, make a mad buzzing noise and start twirling about the field. My dogs are so darn embaressed by my oscar winning buzzy bee impression that they come haring back over at full speed, blushing like mad, muttering "mum...pack it in...please Mum...my mates are all looking...Mum...STOP IT"!!!!
Thanks Di it does help, I can understand about the holding up the class etc.
Someone asked the trainer if they thought that the dog would think it was a game, he said no, of you stand & call your dog it will never come back...
I just find it very confusing being told one really key thing in the book that they advise you get for this specific course & the that goes out the window on the course itself.
I also thought that we didnt have a decent recall, stay etc but that seems to have been missing for the past 2 sundays
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