Hi all,

Some advice please?

Lennon (7 mth old JSI) and I are about to start this.  I have ordered a 30' lunge line and have a harness for the boy, and as soon as the line arrives we are off to the fields nearby to make a start.

My question is, in your opinion, am I better off using a clicker, whistle or just my voice?

The reason I ask is that he will come when I call him some of the time, but sometimes ignores me if there's something more interesting to do, even if I have a treat.

Can you also recommend any really tasty treats to tempt him with?

Thanks for any help you can give.

Cheers :)

hi.....

a tasty treat that hasnt failed (yet lol) to get my kai's attention even when he has escaped over the back of our garden, is a tuna cake treat. the reciepe was posted on here a few weeks ago, can be made with tuna liver or pilchards. kai loves them he takes my fingers off at the elbow lol :-)

if you search liver treats i think you will find it... if not let me know and i can send you the reciepe as i saved a copy :-)

Don't start distance recall training until you have his basic recall firmly in place.  Unless you can get recall 100% from very short distances, you will just be setting yourself and him up for failure if you increase the distance.

Use whatever method you currently use for commands.  Personally, I prefer a whistle (I've got working gundogs) and from a very early age mine are trained to the whistle for the basic commands - sit, down, stay etc.  Don't confuse Lenon by introducing different methods.

Good luck!

Thanks jackyat - I'll stick to voice commands, and start with short distances at first. :)

Cheers Jane - I'll have a search for it :)

I'd recommend a clicker alongside your commands - personally I find my dogs learn new things much, much faster with a clicker, regardless of the commands used.  Lets them know *exactly* what you want, *exactly* when it happens.  JMO :)

Thanks - do you recommend I use them together?....and then phase the voice commands out?

Cheers

I wouldn't use a clicker because it is very common for the dog to become just as disobedient! When you do up a zip, he'll be there wanting a sweet. When you close a lunch box, guess who'll be begging? or, When you do up your umbrella with the little popper, I bet you know who'll be at your feet demanding a sweet. I've always used a simply dog tit-bit and a high-pitched friendly voice. Usually does the trick!

Thanks - I was thinking of using my voice along with whistling (me that is)

I'd use a whistle and also use arm movements.  Open arms for recall.  One arm up for stopping.  This is what we use in gundog work, where the dogs need to recognise signals without noise.  Also agree with previous poster to get the recall perfect over a short distance first and then gradually increase the distance.  Good luck
Lorna

Hi, have you done any training with Lennon yet before you start the recall at a distance? best wishes Sonja

Yes, recall (close, e.g from the garden) and sit, down, off - he's a very quick learner!

:)

IMO build up your distances very slowly, any sign of not doing the command and go back a step don't rush as the rewards will come later. Whatever method you use stick to it and if you havent used a whistle before ask someone to give you some advice. Lots of praise always and get the dogs attention before you command. Be sure that the dog knows the come command as Lennon may not be completely sure about it. Perhaps start with a shorter lead have the dog sitting infront of you you call the dog and walk backwards eccouraging the dog to "come" to you. IMO I would make sure that the dog knew the come command verbally and then gradually introduce the whistle, but practice the whistle on your own away from the dog to help ensure you are tooting the same way every time Sonja

Thanks Sonja - I'm not going to use a whistle, just calling him by name and then giving the command.  We are off the the fields tomorrow for the first try at this.  How long a "lesson" should I give him?  I don't want him to become bored with it.  He will, of course, have "playtime" afterwards LOL.  He has a harness and a 30' lead - - I reckon we are gonna get tied up in knots a bit :D

You've answered your own question! you will know when he's getting bored yourself. Just make it fun for him treat it as a game not a training exercise. Remember when he's coming to you, arms slightly out to the sides legs apart to help guide him and verbal encouragement. If he seems confused and not coming on the long line go back a step no fussing and do it on a shorter lead. Sonja

Here's the latest folks.

Took Lennon and Roxy to some nearby fields.  Roxy was off lead doing her own thing, and Lennon was on his harness and 30' lead, getting tangled up, but having great fun into the bargain.

First call - totally ignored so I continued to call him whilst pulling him gently towards me - after about 10' he got the message and came - lots of praise, small treat.

Second call - as above.

Third call - came to me straight away

Fourth and fifth call - ditto.

I am delighted with such a good start.  We stopped after that and just had fun.

Oh, and a BIG thank you to Roxy for reminding me just how foul smelling fox poo is, especially in a closed car on our drive home....:)