Dilemma

NateEaton · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 11:00 pm Post subject: Dilemma

[Edited for length]
I recently started Lexie in a pre-agility training class. We're both learning a lot, but I'm also learning that we've been doing a number of things wrong.

One of the things we're working on in class is recall. The trainer said some experts feel it takes 3000 recalls on-lead before letting the dog off-lead.

If she was another breed, that would be fine but taking Lex to the park for a game of fetch or run is the only way she gets enough exercise. It would take hours to wear her out with just a walk.

So, my dilemma... how can I follow the training regimen and not screw things up by letting her off-lead until she's really ready but also make sure she gets sufficient exercise.

Options I've considered but discounted:
- running (I have back problems)
- biking (a bit concerned about safety as Lexie can get skittish)
- fetching on a long-lead (running 30 feet and back isn't any better than running in the back yard)
- dog park (still not comfortable with letting her loose in one but also too far away to do daily)

The best thing we've got is fetch on a fenced tennis court but with school in session the courts are off-limits much of the day.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

BEANSnBERRY · Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 1:13 pm Post subject:

Can you just change your words? I never use my recall word "COME" unless I am 100% absolutely sure he'll come. I will also not use it if I don't have a way of treating him. I also won't use it when I'm going to give him a bath... or beat him (just kidding) .. my point is, I don't use it when it's going to have a negative connotation or it won't be respected. You'll never hear me use it at the dog park.

Rather, I say "OVER HERE!" when i want him to come back to me out at the dog park, or somewhere I'm not sure he'll respond. That way you keep your recall word and can still let them off leash in a safe environment. I also treat the "over here" command and expect him to respect it. I just chose when to use it, if he's clearly engrossed in sniffing/playing I'm not going to say it unless he's in danger. I'll wait until his mind wanders and use it, then he gets his yummies for being a good boy. If it was REALLY hard to leave what he was doing he'll get jackpotted for listening and returning to me.

If you've already ruined "COME" think about changing it to "HERE" or ... "CHICKEN" or, something that else and start off fresh.

YAY Agility! I have several more months before we can start agility, but I can't wait!! Have fun! Don't forget to post about how it's going, I'd love to read about it.

Oh, and for other activities have you thought about obedience training, 45 min. of that and my dog is ready for a nap! Smile

Rally -O is a "fun" version of it, and it's so good for wearing them out. Also, be careful with forced exercise if she's under about 14 months old, you can hurt her structure (sorry, if you already knew that, some do not, of course). Hiking is also a great exercise we do together. I do about 3-4 mi with him 2-3 days a week (we'll up it as he gets older.) Or doggie daycare?

NateEaton · Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 9:46 pm Post subject:

We're using "here" instead of "come" (at least when we don't slip) in preparation for the next phase of the pre-ability training where we start using a verbal with the recall.

The bigger issue about letting Lexie off-lead (and I suspect the reason the trainer emphasized never going off-lead until you have a strong recall) is that we don't yet have a well-developed recall. It isn't an issue when it is just us alone in the park - she'll come to pup-pup-pup and never runs off - but if another dog comes along she'll run to them to play. It hasn't happened too many times but just did the other day while my wife was playing fetch with her. The other woman was (understandably) very unhappy. That was the end of letting her off-lead in the park until we're a lot further along working on recall.

Hence the need for alternatives. I took her skating today and she did ok but ask me tomorrow whether I'm in good enough shape to keep that up <grin>. Hiking would suite us fine but don't really have anywhere near our suburban home to hike. Doggy day camp always gets her a good workout but can't really afford to do that more than every once in a while.

She does come home from class pretty pooped but that's just one day a week. We'll have to look into Rally-O later on. In the mean time, we may follow your lead... noticed you have several dogs (great pictures of them playing in the snow, by the way).

Lexie is supposed to be my wife's dog - was her idea - but she seems to have bonded with me. She clearly loves my wife, but makes more of a fuss over me. Anyway, we are thinking about a small dog to be a companion to Lexie and a lapdog for my wife. Given how much of a workout Lexie gets when my son brings over his Maltese, it seems like having someone to run around with all the time would be good for her. We are checking around to see about an adult dog available through one of the local rescue centers.

Thanks again for the advice!

Rosko · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:51 pm Post subject:

I like to just whistle real quick and have him come at the dog park. Sometimes I'll just say 'get over here' or something and pat my thigh. I also prefer not to use 'come' unless it's pretty certain he'll make it. The GF on the other hand likes to scream his name over and over as well as repeat 'come' over and over and doesn't seem to get it when I tell her not to do it. I'm hoping to train the GF so I can firm up the dog. Probably why the recall has been one of our most challenging things (Leave It is also starting to show some challenge again for similar reasons).