Training the Recall with Michael Ellis

Restrained Recalls:Positive effects of frustration.Putting behavior on cue.Voice and whistle.Benefits of engagement.How to reward, mechanics and duration.Recalls in an environment free of distractions/competing motivators.Recalls while focused on something else (competing motivator).Must have control of competing motivator and be able to deprive dog of access (P-).Food to start.Handler must control the value of reward for returning… value, intensity, duration.Increasing intensity of competing motivator for “call away.”Toys, bite wedges, bites, etc.Still must have control of competing motivatorDifference between call off and call away, and on line harness drills.Call offs – ball, tug, bite, etc.Leash pressure and layering the leash over your recalls.Long line/flexi work – no distractionPreparation for the use of P+ and R- (correction).Basic electronic collar conditioning for recall.R- (continuous) and P+ (nick).With line work.Avoiding superstitious associations with both ecollar and line.Finishing recall in real life situationsGeneralization.Being prepared and practicing.Teaching and adding terminal behaviors.Heel, front, and place.Everyday do’s and don’ts.a) Don’t call your dog unless you have something, can make them come, or are sure they will come.b) Have rewards whenever possible during teaching phase.c) During the teaching phase, don’t call your dog to put them up or call them away from something they like (unless you have something better and are sure they will come).d) Control your distractions/competing motivators.e) Practice recalls all the time!