Training the 'Radical Recall'

Many dog owners, myself included struggle at times with their dog's recall. 
if you own a breed of dog with a high 'Prey Drive', then this is especially difficult to master and proof. Breeds such as Hounds, Herders, Terriers, Huskys, Border Collies and others. The dog is hard-wired to chase, that is what they were bred for, it is natural and a need... to chase anything that moves.. a squirrel, a leaf, a deer, rabbit, bird, car, bike, jogger, airplane or even a train. When your dog has hit that spot of 'GO Go Go' he cannot or does not hear your call. Maybe a whistle, or high pitched squeaky toy can cut through the distraction, maybe you running in the other direction shouting and waving your arms, or lying on the floor kicking your legs in the air works for you.. ! It is funny, but can be serious... so what should we do? The answer is, as soon as you get your pup, start to practice calling his name and rewarding when he comes, 'Have a Party'...!  as Steve Mann says in his excellent Book
'Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy'.  TOP TIPS:

• Make sure you begin recall training in a relaxed atmosphere without any pressure and with a positive, happy voice. Maybe inside your house, then your garden.
• Have plenty of tasty treats, cheese, sausage.  
• Build the bond between you and your dog, so he wants to be with you.
• You can also use a favourite squeaky toy. (Have 2 because you will want to swap them out, and squeaky gets the dog’s attention)
• Or a whistle will cut through a distraction.
• Eventually, practice in different locations to ‘proof’ the behaviour.
• You have to be more exciting that the distraction.
• NEVER use COME for the express purpose of getting your dog to come to you to be disciplined, corrected, or any other negative reason. There will be times when you get frustrated but keep it as a positive command. Stay relaxed.
• Don’t be afraid to go back to basics with a dog if your dog starts to ignore you. ALWAYS use a happy tone. 
• When you are out and about, continue with a long lead, proof the recall in different places, times of day, different distractions.
• ​Plan for the Emergency Recall.
• Let your dog know YOU are the center of their World... Be safe! Have fun. ​

                                               Have a Radical Recall...!

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