Training Recall

[KarenCurtis]

Margaret, I apologize for my sarcasm, it was unnecessary.
If you look up on original posts where discussion started, I posted that regretfully many basic classes, directed toward regular pet owner/ not the pet enthusiasts, doggie person in the know, that knows difference between USDAA and AKC rules/ but regular pet owner will go to/ % of people who do take puppy classes and basic obedience classes remains regretfully small/ often taught inefficiently. Puppy classes are often no more than socialization time and basic obedience classes modeled after competitive recall to heel which might be great in class but is useless in real life where owner goes to dog parks and is unable to control his/ her dogs. Considering that this country is huge in dog aggression, and dogs are delegated to dog parks as opposed learning/ training happening on the streets, teaching efficient basic recall will go a long way towards decreasing many problems.

Okay, this post makes perfect and logical sense. And you are right- I would never take a basic obedience class because I have done that, and teaching to heel (for pet owners only) is only useful on walks, with just me and the dog. Teaching recall with distractions is more than basic, and is the most important thing, I think. Classes teach this also, but when the class ends the owner needs to carry it farther. I do not do it enough- unfortunately it is time constraints for me. I have taught my dog to stay with a few distractions around him, and the "look at me" while doing this. I need to branch out and work on other distractions also.

 

[Phebe*DD]

Margaret, I apologize for my sarcasm, it was unnecessary.

Thank you for your apology. I can appreciate sarcasm as well as the next person, but it doesn't always translate well on a message board, and you're right it was unnecessary and detracted from the point you were trying to convey.

 

[SheltieChe]

OK..... back on topic.......

I would also love to hear some tips for working on a great recall and not just a recommendation to sign up for $300+ class.. (sorry Sheltieche..Susan's a great trainer, but tooo pricey for many people here on a tight budget). Maybe even some games that others have learned in their recall classes (online or live attendance classes)

Riley's recall is at 85-90%. I can recall him when playing with other dogs, or people, but fail with squirrels, cats, things he reacts too in the home...and probably cars, although he is NEVER EVER allowed off leash except in a securely fenced in area (I'm slightly obsessive). Riley may have done exactly what Gizmo did, although I think Riley would be trying to also BITE the tires as well....

I see two main problems why recall is such a toughie. One it is not JUST a command, like sit or down. It is a relationship first and command second. Why any dog will choose you over chasing a deer or rabbit or chasing other dogs? So that is a big problem not addressed in classes. Second obstacle-in order to practice and get great recall our dogs have to be off leash and that is increasingly difficult as places where dogs can be off leash are almost non existent beyond dog parks and % of aggression is waay too high to comfortably do that.
as for $$$, while I agree, such classes should be avail at rock bottom prices so everyone can sign up, it is also about how much it is important to you. My basic 8 week off leash classes here in Chicago are $200 and I take one for each dog so there goes my $$$$
what can I do? I am not too bright when it comes to dogs, am clueless owner who does not know how to achieve it at home. But I really really want to have a great relationship with my dog so when I call he turns on a dime and brings his butt to me at a squirrel speed. So I support my trainers:sadsmile: