|
|
Post by spencekelliem on Feb 2, 2009 17:41:20 GMT -5
Have had Ellie for 3 months now, and although she gets her off lead romps in my mum's horse field i would really love to be able to let her off to run with her friends.  Can anyone give me any pointers on how we can work on this? When she is off lead in the field she doesnt stray too far but her recall is hit and miss, even if she knows i have yummy things in my pockets.  Am fairly nervous as she did a runner on xmas day  and i dont want a repeat performance. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2009 4:00:24 GMT -5
3 months is early days yet so don't give up you may just have to get a bit more practise in. If she is responding pretty well at this stage but being a bit awkward about coming back occasionally you should try walking off & leaving her or hiding from her. The look of panic is quite amusing when they realise you're not waiting for them  If she doesn't care where you are then that's a good indicator that she may not ever be able to go off lead or perhaps she needs more time to bond with you. Both my girls panic if they can't see me, Dan on the other hand couldn't care less, even after 5 years Another tip is to use a specific high value treat for recall only, so she doesn't get that treat at any other time unless she recalls. Practise recall in the house by calling her & rewarding with the same high value treat. Also bear in mind that it is a good idea to practise recall in a few different secure or safe areas & build on that as she may only associate recalling when in a specific location. You may find that if you let her loose in a new area she'll go a bit giddy. The first time you let her off lead in a new area it may be a good idea to walk it on lead a few times first so it's not a new place for her to investigate so much when she is off lead so less distraction to recall. Why did she do a runner previously did she chase or did she decide to go for an explore? |
|
|
|
Post by spencekelliem on Feb 3, 2009 15:12:25 GMT -5
Why did she do a runner previously did she chase or did she decide to go for an explore? My uncle let her out of the front door and i couldnt get past him quick enough to get hold of her before she pottered off towards the main road. She was wandering and nosing before she set off at full belt down the 60mph main road. Not really sure why she ran, but as far as i know there was no chase involved - she is very keen on squirrels tho. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2009 4:05:39 GMT -5
 indeed To me it sounds as though she needs some more time to bond with you, once she realises she wants to stay with you it'll become easier. Another thing to try is practise with a long line, a horses lunge line attached to a harness is ideal. It'll get her used to coming back to you in different situations.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jen Wren on Feb 4, 2009 6:50:27 GMT -5
What Wanda said ;D
But just to add that she is a sighthound so although you CAN get recall up to a pretty good standard, there may be times when whatever you do or say will not make any difference, especially if the chase is on. Thats why we usually say only let them off in secure open areas ie away from roads so if that happens, the risks to them will be minimal and once they've given up they can come back to you.
New places to them is excitement overload and they will be easily distracted. I find if they are with other dogs whose recall is good, they are likely to be led by them and will come back when the others do. Could you invite other dog friends to the horse field so you can see how she interacts with them and also practice her recall while she has the major distraction of playtime?
|
|
|
|
Post by tesse0barney on Feb 4, 2009 10:33:58 GMT -5
it might be contradictory but my dogs generally have fantastic recall in places they don't know/when it's chucking it down with rain... when it becomes familiar and more confident somewhere they get less bothered about recall (the little tinkers). i'm NOT suggesting going somewhere new in the rain and letting her off lead but if her recall is a bit hit and & miss in the field she could jsut know she is safe and you're there etc... try hiding like Wanda said... if my girl doesn't come when i call i head off to the park gate and rattle it... full speed recall ;D
treats don't always work as if they get too excited they don't want to eat .... a prize squeaky toy is another option. though you could end u like a bag lady with bags filled with various toys and sweets.
if i don't entertain my two with toys they go find their own entertainment which is when trouble begins. so now i play with them lots in the park and it has improved their recall as it might mean play time with mummy.
when theres things to hunt and the "red mist" descends there's not much you can do. end of the day they're animals with instincts and their own mind... i personally see recall is never a 100% definate though others might argue. my aim is to get as close to 100% as possible... if in doubt they stay on theirs leads... being alive and happy on their lead is better than having a play and it ending in tears at the vets.
|
|
