RECALL GAME
Recall is a super simple idea, you need to be exciting and your dog will want to come.
Now before I begin let me highlight how important it is going to be that at absolutely no part in recall training is your dog told off or punished, I mean when you were a kid and knew your mum was going to tell you off did you run to her or away even if knowing running away makes her more mad? Yea lets bare that in mind
Begin with short distance and no distractions but as your dog begins to understand build up distance and add distractions (other people are good but have them still to start building up to them moving around but only one calling the dog )
For this first stage of recall I use the command ‘here” but feel free to choose your own, I use “come” to ask the dog to return to me but in the correct place of sitting directly infront of me closely where as I use “here” which we are learning now just as general recall for off lead works if we come by a road, livestock. horse riders, cyclists and so on. The “come" command is a formal training progression.
All this game require is you and a super exciting toy, a flirt pole is brilliant for this game. Simply hide the toy, create a little distance between you and the dog and then pull out the toy run around like a child after too many skittles waving the toy and shouting “here” The dog will come grab the toy, give loads of praise and a good play with the toy, make it all very exciting, then as mentioned build up distance and distractions, begin to do this in new places. Your dog the whole time in his or her brain is connecting the command “here” , coming back and happiness all as one experience, the more exciting you make it the stronger this connection will be
HIDE AND SEEK
Once your dog is already enjoying the basic recall game hide and seek is a great progression
It's very simple have someone in the house hold the dog, show the dog you have a favourite toy then run off (important to run as it's adding excitement again and tapping into natural chase drive)
Hide somewhere but keep it simple to begin (behind a door or similar) give the “here” command and have the other person release the dog. Repeat the command every few mins if necessary to keep motivating the dog during the first few times of play. As soon as the dog signals hes found you, usually a bark in your direction (dogs use scent so he may not see the need to visually see you before deciding hes found you) or they will se you and directly stare or tap you, as soon as you have the indication you've been found jump out give huge amounts of praise and a good play with toy (tug toy ideal here)
Once your dog knows the game make your hiding harder (keep it realisstic eg if dog cant or isnt allowed to open doors dont close a door where you are etc) and reduce the frequency you repeat the command
