Ever experienced walking your dog in some park, only to punctuate your dog with shouting and bellowing because it is now hot on the trail of something and is not paying the least attention to you? Indeed, it is not enough knowing that the dog has no way, for example, to control its inclination to follow a scent. Being able to truly recall your dog at any time is a critical skill in Labrador training. Recall is the hallmark of a responsible dog handler-owner-trainer.
Aside from the so called “selective hearing,” there are many reasons why dogs do not approach readily when called:
a) Some owners tell their dogs to go away when the dog does approach, which confuses the dog all the more.
b) Some dogs are too busy pursuing their own fun, whether it is following a highly intriguing scent or going after other dogs or squirrels.
c) Owners sometimes create a misassociation between the “come” gesture and what the dog was exactly doing at that time.
If you want a simple and plain way to training your dog in recall, the training needs to happen in an area that has limited distractions. Remember to never vary how you use the recall command (same tone, exact same words). Then try calling the dog’s name all day, getting it to come to you and giving it a treat or playing its favorite game if it approaches. The whole point of it is that the dog needs to see that coming to you is fun and rewarding.
When the dog is accustomed to coming to you when it is called, add the recall command and get it used to the sound.
Next, when the dog already has gotten used to the recall command, try mixing in a few distractions. Maintain the dog on a long lead to see how well it can come to you.
Lastly, when you are sure that your dog has mastered recall through your Labrador training, visit some park that safely allows off-leash pets. Try going to this park together with another dog owner that is used to recall in hue, open areas. Recall both dogs, and give a reward to the one who returns first.
Related posts:
- Dog Obedience On Come Or Recall Command
- How to Prepare Your Dog for Basic Labrador Training In Your Area
- Why Labrador Training Can Help You Have a Better Lab
- How to Help Your Dog With Labrador Training
- Maintaining the Physical and Mental Conditioning of your Dog Through Labrador Training
- Labrador Training for Better Working Dogs
- Why Labrador Training Matters for Your House Pet
- Labrador Puppy Training – 5 Important Tips
- Labrador Retrievers Make Great Companions
- What is a Labrador Retriever Puppy
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