I love Dogs me...

That's nature. Some pretty, some not but all part of the cycle of life. 

Well the first trip in the van with pups and old dog has been a real success! The little ones have settled really well and the older dog seems happy to have them along!

Just one thing that's worrying me which I would love some advice on...

The older dog is happy to toddle along the beach off lead. She hasn't got a run in her and generally comes back when called although as a rescue dog I have never taught her this.

How do I teach recall to the two pups? At the moment they are at the loopy stage where there senses are in overload when we go out. I am worried that they won't come back!

Any reliable suggestions?

Thanks,

Gill

Gill, I'd start them on a long lead. Call them to you and reward them with a treat and a fuss. They'll soon get the idea that coming back to you means they'll get a tasty treat and a bit of love.

Thanks for your quick reply Tinwheeler! I will give it a try. I have to say they are quick to pick up things where food is involved!

I guess it's more about me having the confidence to let them off eventually.

Gill

Gill, before you let them go on the long lead, give them a few treats so they know you have some, then tell them to "go play" or whatever suits you and let the lead run out. after a few minutes call them back, wave at them,or anything to get their attention, wave the treats, when they come back take hold of their collar tell them to sit and give them loads of treats, then tell them to "go play" again. Keep repeating this and they will soon learn that when you call them you are not stopping them from playing and enjoying themselves. It doesn't happen overnight, but, you'll soon kow when you can let them run free. Keep calling them back and rewarding them so they think and know that you are more important to them than anything else. Don't lose it with them, as dogs don't understand angry, you will just make them confused. Remember, repetition repetition repetition, you will get there.

I would echo what BT has said ,but would add , when you call them back and show them the food walk backwards away from them ( but still facing them)  ,so they have to come to you ,if you walk to them they will expect you to come to them ,and that defeats the object of a recall ......

also give them a treat that is special and not just any old biscuit , would come back for a dry old biscuit??

Thanks for these tips Brian and Huskydog. It's all about food and making the treats worth coming back for I suppose. To answer your question HD, I wouldn't go anywhere for a dry old biscuit! 😂😂

Gill

Agree with Husky, Alfies favourite treats are either sliced up hot dogs or chunks of roast chicken..... Tip, to make the sausage less greasy, after slicing, place on paper towel in microwavve for one or two minutes depending on size of sausage, when cool they are easier to hold and won't stain your pockets or bag, whatever you keep treats in....

Training him with a treat for returning works well with my rescue Westie. In fact, not only does he turn back as soon as I call him but he licks his lips all the way back! If he fancies a treat he'll spontaneously run back to me and sit, looking at my 'treats' pocket and licking his lips. He does make me chuckle.

briantimber......I started him off for the first week or two with pieces of Frankfurter. A whole Frankfurter fitted nicely in a plastic Steradent denture tabs tube enabling me to break off small bits with one hand. It worked a treat!

Thanks for all your tips guys! I have a bag of cooked sausage bits ready for our walk on the beach today. I'll report back how it goes. 

Gill