Recall w/ distractions...Any suggestions?

HandsomeStanley

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to enforce/train/teach recall while there are distractions (other dogs and/or people) in a weim who's just over a year old?

He listens when it's just him and I, but hardly ever if there's another dog or person even with a handful of dog treats in his face.

Not sure if anyone had any suggestions so I can start working with him. I'd love to be able to have him off leash someday and him not run off to greet other dogs/people unless I tell him he can.

simis · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 3:45 pm Post subject:

1. Get at minimum a 12+ foot check cord and use it.
2. Get a whistle - it saves your voice and more often than not grabs their attention to at least look up or back at you.
3. Practice in the yard or somewhere safe between you and someone else, have them hold your pup, then release as you call him, bend down and be very inviting, not intimidating - then reward like CRAZY for being the BEST PUP IN THE WORLD for coming to you. Keep doing this and make a big deal out of it when he comes back to you when you call, he'll catch on and you'll feel a lot more confident with him off leash.
4. If your guy isn't food driven, as mine is not - use soft treats - cheese, lunchmeats, liver, etc. they are easier to gulp down and for some reason work a lot better for quick rewards.

Mine is 14 1/2 months old and she's really wonderful about checking back in, but on certain occasions other dogs/people/whatever the distraction is, is just too great, and she'll check it out briefly before coming back - as frusterating as this is, you still must tell them good for coming back, otherwise they'll get their own mindset and it can go downhill quickly.