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I thought i had recall cracked!

409 Views 4 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  Ali3
So my 20 week old pup has always been really good at coming when called, particularly if given a treat on arrival at my feet. She is also great at fetching a all and dropping that at my feet. However, today I took her to the woods for a short walk, just to show her really since she obviously isn't supposed to walk far yet and then, when we were a reasonable way in, I let her off the lead and threw her ball for her. She ran for it, picked it up, dropped it and then bolted straight past me, running full speed (which for her is flipping fast) towards the exit and what is a busy main road. I gave her the usual recall shout but she carried on. I was very lucky that she stopped and noticed I was holding a biscuit so she came back but it was pretty scary. Not sure when I will be trying that again!!
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OK - a few things - increase the value of your treat - a biscuit is not going to cut it as competition with the real world so you need top value treats, stuff like tiny bits of chicken - and you pay every single time pup comes to you when out whether you call or not, you are building value for being with you.

Recall in house or garden is not the same as recall in the outside world and recall in a field is not the same as somewhere like woods where there is so much more going on.

A well fitted comfortable harness and long line (not flexi lead) will give pup the ability to explore without the danger of doing a runner.

Sniffy walks are much more valuable than ball throwing walks and too much ball throwing can be very bad for pups and dogs joints. A much better game out and about is tuggy as you can then use it as a reward for recall and it keeps pup connected to you .
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Thank you so much for the advice, which I will absolutely take. Our pup really loves a game of rugby. Not too sure about the joints situation though. We are pretty strict about the walking months to age thing but she is one puppy who loves to run!! She runs like tge clappers around the garden, jumping on and off the decking lije she's possessed!!
Hi Ali , I would not be to eager to let a 20 week old puppy off lead in an unenclosed area however good their recall .
I agree with with 2HG about the long lead also reinforcing coming to you at home in the house with praise/treats so it becomes second nature.
A simple walk on the lead should not be underestimated , puppies don't need to pelt around all the time . Sniffing time out on a lead releases hormones that can calm/stimulate/educate and be really valuable to a puppy .
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Thank you, that is really all very helpful x
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