Tuesday 18 September 2012

Recall back to basics

A few times over the last months hubby has complained to me that Stella didn't listen to him when he walked her.   I basically accused him of being to stingy with the treats but I don't think I really believed him.  In my head I thought she just wasn't reacting as quickly as she would with me if I called her.  I am the main dog walker in our home as I have a more flexible schedule but on days that I am busy he is happy to walk them and we often walk together on weekends.

Well ...... we were walking the dogs together last weekend and I got to witness that she really does ignore him.  The dogs went racing by us and he called her and she just kept going.  I called and she stopped dead and came right to me.  Hubby was not amused so I suggested we work on things a little bit.   I watched for a good opportunity and had him call the dogs.  When they came I watched and although he did have a yummy treat in hand he asked both dogs for a sit and waited until they were both seated before he gave the treat.   I gently suggested that perhaps he was confusing Stella and she wasn't understanding that the treat was reward for the recall.  By the time he actually gave her the cookie she thought it was just because she was sitting there.  I suggested that the second she got to him to give her the treat.  He walked the dogs a lot that week as I had a horrible cold and he was on holidays and commented by the end of the week that Stella was very much improved. 

Is this bribery or perhaps even a lure?  Good dog training or bad? I really don't care.  This is an easy fix that my husband is comfortable with.  It is important for safety that the dogs have a good recall so I am more than willing to pay them for that.  My husband is like most people.  He loves the dogs but he doesn't care about perfect heel position or if a sit is crooked.  He wants a well behaved pet that comes magically trained and so far that is working out pretty well for both husband and dogs :o).

Riley update .... We have an appointment coming up to meet the veterinary surgeon and have Riley assessed for hip replacement surgery.  It will be good to have a plan one way or the other. 

We were supposed to have gone to Tofino last week before parking the trailer for the season but opted to be work and fiscally responsible instead.  Here are a few pics from last year.





9 comments:

  1. No matter how hard they work with me, I equally don't always recall with my peoples if I have better things to do, treats or no treats, but I agree that peoples should want us to listen for safety and not just for things like ribbons.

    What is that stuff Stella is standing on at the beach? I can't quite make it out. Is it giant spaghetti? If so, yum!

    I really hope all works out well with my pal Riley. Good luck at the vet.

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    1. Silly Toby, it's seaweed not spaghetti although I'm sure at least some of it is edible. Thanks for the good wishes for Riley.

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  2. Have hubby carry a tug toy as well as treats so Stella will have 2 exciting reasons to return promptly! Good luck at the vet appt.

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    1. Can't do that at the moment as Riley gets all crazy for the tug. I will get him to add in some chase games soon that Stella loves to do. Thanks for the good luck!

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  3. OK so why do men just want a trained dog, whereas women enjoy the training process? There is a big question.

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    1. I never said men, I said pet owners :o). You are probably right though and I'm guessing that is because women enjoy the process and building relationship more than the average guy. Sylvia is right that the majority of people competing are women.

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  4. Anonymous, because women like to build relationships whereas men just want 'the moment'. No secret that the vast majority of people competing with their dogs in various sports are WOMEN! Anyway, that's my reckless thought for the moment. :-) Sister Elsie has to improve her recall so much give her owners some help there.

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    1. I agree with your "reckless thought" but also think that it is still a sadly small percentage of people interested in dog sports. The rest of the population (both men and women) really just want a dog that does what it is told and is easy to live with.

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  5. Funny, my husband and I were just working on calling Indi back and forth between us tonight for treats. Previously she was only mildly interested in coming to him but today she ran just as fast back and forth. We are the same way at my house, he wants a well behaved dog but doesn't really put much effort forth! You are lucky that yours walks the dogs without you!
    I think paying a dog for a good recall is important, even if the dog already knows it well. I don't think of it as a lure, just a thank you.
    And by the way, you got me hooked on Denise Fenzi! I think I read her whole blog, really neat information.

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