KIDDIE CORNER
Hey Kids! Print out this cool coloring sheet and word puzzle challenge!
Hey Kids! Print out this cool coloring sheet and word puzzle challenge!
ASK THE TRAINER - BUILDING A SOLID RECALL
A good recall is an important tool to teach your dog. It is an obedience skill that, at some point in time, may be crucial for
your dog’s safety. First things first, your dog is not being stubborn, ignoring you on purpose or a bad dog! Many times,
the dog simply has not learned a solid foundation of training. Add heavy distractions and it is no wonder some dogs do
not come back when we call them.
Let’s address some common issues:
Now let’s discuss how to begin training a solid recall. What you will need:
dog is comfortable. Have the toy hidden from view, tucked in your pocket behind you is a good spot. If you are using
treats, make sure they are out of view. This is so these items will be a surprise reward for coming back to you, instead of
a bribe to lure your dog close to you. The long lead will be used to maintain control of your dog until their recall is strong.
Allow the second person to take the dog about seven feet away.
Call your dog in a very happy, excited voice- “PETEY!!!!!!! COME!!!!!!!!” You may need to move backwards and
crouch low to the ground. When the dog returns to you, mark the good behavior with an enthusiastic “Good!” or
whatever word you use to let your dog know they did the right thing, then pull out the toy and initiate play for a full 20 to
25 seconds. If you are using treats, begin continuously feeding for the 20 seconds.
After the 20 seconds are up, release the dog, and allow the second handler to take the dog back to the starting point.
Repeat this several times and then add a little more distance. As your dog responds well to this and has a pretty reliable
recall without distractions, you can add distractions into training. When you do this, start off by decreasing your distance
again. What are distractions? It could be: a ball rolling across the room, a different environment, or anything that may
take attention away from you.
The more you practice, the more distractions and distance
you should be able to add. If they are doing well and you
are in a safe, contained area, you can remove the leash.
Why does this method work so well? Your dog is having
fun, and learning that the fun does not end when they come
back to you, and it is building a solid foundation of training.
Amy Dengler is a trainer who specializes in Pit Bulls.
She currently teaches at the Western Pennsylvania
Humane Society, where her Bully Breed Ambassador
class is a big hit! She also does private, in home
training in the Pittsburgh area.
Amy is the proud owner of Dena the Pit Bull, who
has starred in a national anti-dogfighting television
commercial, and Porter the Pit Bull/Lab Mix, a CGC/TDI
currently working with dementia patients in hospice care.
Amy can be contacted at aedengler@gmail.com
A good recall is an important tool to teach your dog. It is an obedience skill that, at some point in time, may be crucial for
your dog’s safety. First things first, your dog is not being stubborn, ignoring you on purpose or a bad dog! Many times,
the dog simply has not learned a solid foundation of training. Add heavy distractions and it is no wonder some dogs do
not come back when we call them.
Let’s address some common issues:
- Expecting too much, too fast. With any training session, it's best to start with minimal distractions. Once your dog
is doing well, you can add distractions to the mix. - Punishing your dog or ending the fun once he or she comes back to you. Would you return if every time you were
called back, the fun ended or worse yet you were punished? Too often, the only time we implement a recall is
when we are interrupting the dog from doing what he or she enjoys. For example - your bully is playing with one
of his dog friends. The only time the dog is called back, is when it is time to pack things up and go home. Not
very motivating! A better solution? Frequently interrupting play, to receive a reward and then sending your dog off
to play again. - Making a recall a game of “Catch me if you can!” Simply put - if your dog learns that when he or she does not
come back to you, it will result in a fun game (for your dog) of you chasing him or her. - Being less exciting or fun than whatever is going on around you. Calling your dog in a monotonous or stern voice
while standing still or moving forward, is not going to entice your dog to come back to you. Whatever is going on
- be that exciting! What does this mean? Act and sound like you are having a blast!!! Crouching down, and
moving backwards can also motivate your dog to come back to you.
Now let’s discuss how to begin training a solid recall. What you will need:
- A favorite toy or special treats for your dog
- A long lead or lunge line
- A second person to assist you during tour training session
dog is comfortable. Have the toy hidden from view, tucked in your pocket behind you is a good spot. If you are using
treats, make sure they are out of view. This is so these items will be a surprise reward for coming back to you, instead of
a bribe to lure your dog close to you. The long lead will be used to maintain control of your dog until their recall is strong.
Allow the second person to take the dog about seven feet away.
Call your dog in a very happy, excited voice- “PETEY!!!!!!! COME!!!!!!!!” You may need to move backwards and
crouch low to the ground. When the dog returns to you, mark the good behavior with an enthusiastic “Good!” or
whatever word you use to let your dog know they did the right thing, then pull out the toy and initiate play for a full 20 to
25 seconds. If you are using treats, begin continuously feeding for the 20 seconds.
After the 20 seconds are up, release the dog, and allow the second handler to take the dog back to the starting point.
Repeat this several times and then add a little more distance. As your dog responds well to this and has a pretty reliable
recall without distractions, you can add distractions into training. When you do this, start off by decreasing your distance
again. What are distractions? It could be: a ball rolling across the room, a different environment, or anything that may
take attention away from you.
The more you practice, the more distractions and distance
you should be able to add. If they are doing well and you
are in a safe, contained area, you can remove the leash.
Why does this method work so well? Your dog is having
fun, and learning that the fun does not end when they come
back to you, and it is building a solid foundation of training.
Amy Dengler is a trainer who specializes in Pit Bulls.
She currently teaches at the Western Pennsylvania
Humane Society, where her Bully Breed Ambassador
class is a big hit! She also does private, in home
training in the Pittsburgh area.
Amy is the proud owner of Dena the Pit Bull, who
has starred in a national anti-dogfighting television
commercial, and Porter the Pit Bull/Lab Mix, a CGC/TDI
currently working with dementia patients in hospice care.
Amy can be contacted at aedengler@gmail.com
Porter & Dena enjoy a well earned reward
from mom and trainer, Amy Dengler.
from mom and trainer, Amy Dengler.
