Introduction
Welcome to my recall training guide! In this comprehensive guide taken from my video tutorial, I will walk you through the process of teaching your dog to recall under distractions. We all know how frustrating it can be when our furry friends ignore us and run off, especially in distracting environments. But fear not, with the right techniques and tools, you can train your dog to come back to you every time, no matter the distractions.
In this article, we will cover the key elements of recall training, including the use of a long line, the importance of a choke chain or prong collar, the need for an outside voice, and the rewards and praise that will reinforce the desired behavior. We will also delve into the reasoning behind these techniques and how they help create an involuntary response in your dog. So, let's dive in and get started!
The Long Line: A Training Essential
To effectively train your dog to recall under distractions, you will need a long line. This is not your regular leash; it should be a minimum of 30 feet in length. The longer the line, the more distance you have between you and your dog, which will help them learn to recall faster. The long line allows you to give your dog more freedom while still maintaining control and guiding them back to you when necessary.
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"[…] we have to find a way or we have to rather have a way to let them know we do not like something the choke chain or the prong collar, when used properly, gives us that ability." - Charles Austin
The Choke Chain or Prong Collar: A Communication Tool
In addition to positive reinforcement, it is important to have a way to communicate to your dog when they are not behaving as desired. This is where a choke chain or prong collar comes into play. When used properly, these tools allow you to let your dog know that their behavior is not acceptable. The tactile feedback from the collar helps them understand that they need to change their actions.
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"[…] the leash gives them physical or tactile feedback that they're looking for to let them know that they're doing the right thing." - Charles Austin
The Power of Your Outside Voice
When training your dog to recall under distractions, it is crucial to bring your outside voice. Your dog needs to hear you over the noise and distractions around them. By using a louder and more commanding tone, you can grab their attention and ensure they understand your recall command. Without a strong and clear voice, your dog may not respond to your cues, rendering the training ineffective.
"[…] bring your outside voice. They're going to need to hear you or it won't matter what you're saying. We're going to get zero response." - Charles Austin
Rewards and Praise: Reinforcing the Desired Behavior
To make the recall training a positive experience for your dog, it is essential to have the right rewards and praise ready when they do come back to you. This can be their favorite toy, a handful of kibble, or ample verbal and physical praise. By associating the act of recalling with something enjoyable, you are reinforcing the behavior and increasing the likelihood of them repeating it in the future.
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"[…] we reward her with food, toys, or praise whatever the dog wants at the time." - Charles Austin
The Importance of Training Under Distractions
Now that we have covered the necessary tools and techniques, let's explore why training under distractions is crucial. When we recall our dogs in real-life situations, they are often engaged in various activities that distract them from listening to us. Whether they are digging holes, chewing on shoes, or exploring their surroundings, it is important to teach them to respond to their name even when they are distracted.
"[…] we teach the recall from them being distracted. So that way they're accustomed to responding to their name, which is their recall under heavy distractions." - Charles Austin
The Process of Recall Training
To demonstrate the recall training process, let's follow the example of Charles Austin and his client's dog in training, Princess. Charles uses a long line and allows Princess to get distracted before calling her name. If she doesn't respond immediately (within a second or two because we aren't training robots), he uses the long line to guide her in the right direction. When she reaches him, she is rewarded with food, toys, or praise.
"[…] we use the dog's name, which is their recall, as the first cue to give them a chance to respond to that cue first. And if they don't respond, we use the leash to guide them to us." - Charles Austin
The Role of Leash Pressure in Training
During the video Charles consistently backpedals away from Princess when recalling her. This technique is used to engage the training collar around her neck and apply tension on the line in the event she is slow to respond. By moving away from her, Charles provides the necessary instructions for Princess to respond correctly. This technique helps her understand that tension on the line means she needs to come towards him.
"[…] me moving away from her, if the line is engaged, it gives her the instructions she needs to help her respond correctly the next time she's recalled." - Charles Austin
Building an Involuntary Response
Through consistent training and reinforcement, you can build an involuntary response in your dog when they hear their name. By associating their name with the recall command and rewarding them for coming back to you, you create a strong connection in their mind. Over time, they will learn that hearing their name means they need to find you because you need them.
"[…] we create this involuntary response that when she hears her name, she's going to tuck tail and run and find you. That's how we're building a recall under distractions."
- Charles Austin
The Benefits of Recall Training
Recall training under distractions has numerous benefits for both you and your dog. It allows you to have control over your dog's behavior in various environments, ensuring their safety and the safety of others. It also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend, as they learn to trust and rely on you. Additionally, recall training makes everyday life easier, as your dog will come back to you even in the presence of distractions.
"[…] when we have them around other distractions or out in public, they recall just about every time." - Charles Austin
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The Path to Off-Leash Recall
While using a long line is effective for recall training, the ultimate goal for many dog owners is to have their dogs recall off-leash. To achieve this, Charles suggests using the long line for as long as necessary and then layering it with an e-collar if you have the knowledge and experience. This combination allows you to gradually transition to off-leash recall while maintaining control and ensuring your dog's safety.
"[…] use the long line as long as you need to use it. There's no rush to drop the line, because a long line is nothing but a long leash." - Charles Austin
Conclusion: A Well-Trained Dog for Life
In conclusion, recall training under distractions is an essential skill for every dog owner. By using a long line, the right training collar, your outside voice, and the right rewards and praise, you can teach your dog to come back to you even in the most distracting situations. Through consistent training and reinforcement, you can build that involuntary response in your dog you always dreamed of, ensuring their safety and strengthening your bond.
So, grab your long line, bring your outside voice, and get ready to embark on this training journey with your furry friend. With patience, dedication, and the techniques outlined in this guide, you can have a well-trained dog that recalls under distractions in no time. Happy training!
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Future Outlook: Continued Training and Growth
Remember, training is an ongoing process. Even after your dog has mastered recall under distractions, it is important to continue reinforcing the behavior and practicing in different environments. This will help solidify their training and ensure that they maintain their recall skills throughout their lives. So, keep up the training, stay consistent, and enjoy the benefits of having a well-trained and obedient companion by your side.
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