Mary Allen
This workout is not only fast and effective, but it’s also a lot of fun!
You owe it not only to your fellow human beings but also to your four-legged friend to train your own dog well. Because only a dog that can be reliably retrieved can be left without a leash and without hesitation. And only without a leash is a species-appropriate dog life with natural interaction possible.
With the following tips, you can train the recall in a playful and effective way and ensure that your dog stays with you until you have “released” him again.
Use a whistle or flute
Of course, with a pipe or flute, there is a risk of forgetting the good piece. Still, it is better suited for dog training than the voice for three reasons:
- The whistle or flute has a much greater range.
- The dog hears your voice all day long. The whistle is thus more conspicuous to him.
- The whistle or flute always has the same sound. She is never hoarse or subject to moods.
Connect whistles and treats
The first step to safe retrieval is to make the dog understand that the whistle is a positive thing. Therefore, start your training by calling your dog over to you in an environment with as few distractions as possible. Then whistle and give a treat immediately afterward. Repeat this five to ten times. Build this exercise into your day about three times. Your dog will understand very quickly that the whistle means something good.
Extra tip: make sure to give small treats. Otherwise, the many extra portions will quickly end up on the dog’s hips.
Engage reverse gear
In the next step, don’t give the treat right after the whistle. Instead, you whistle and then take a few steps backward. If your dog follows you, he gets the treat. Feel free to practice this outside, where there are more distractions.
If you notice your dog just picking up the treat and then immediately rushing away from you, hold several treats in hand. Your dog will then be more likely to stay with you. Then raise your hand with the treats and give a signal, e.g. B. “Run” combined with a clear hand signal, so that the dog understands that he can go away again.
Whistle at the right moment
If these exercises are working well, try the retrieval with increasing distraction and at a greater distance. However, get a partner to help you with this first. He’s holding the dog. Then make sure you only whistle when the dog is paying attention to you. If so, whistle and hop around to make yourself more interesting than any distractions around the dog. When your four-legged friend comes to you, he gets the treat and lots of praise. After the release command, the dog may run again. Alternatively, you can then hold onto it and have your partner retrieve it.
Test the example
If this also works without any problems, it is time for the next step: let your dog run free. Always keep the flute or whistle within reach. If the dog runs towards you, whistle to get his attention. If your tail wag really comes to you, you get the treat and praise again. After the Freikommando, he can scurry away again.
However, if your dog doesn’t come, don’t whistle again. Instead, try to get his attention by walking the other way, away from your dog. In most cases, the four-legged friends then rush after their owners. However, there is no treatment. Instead, try the exercise again in a quieter environment.
If your dog won’t follow you even when you run away, silently walk up to him, tie him on, and take a step back in training. Never scold your animal. This is merely a sign that you were wanting too much in your workout too quickly. With enough rest and perseverance, it will definitely work.