I don't know if I read this in a book or saw it on a show but I am training the dogs to come when I blow a whistle.
The plan is that to start with I blow the whistle and give them a treat so that they begin to associate the whistle with a treat. I did that for a couple of days indoors.
Yesterday, when we were outside I let go of the leash and let them drag it. While they were close by I blew the whistle and gave them a treat a few times. Then I waited for them to stop watching for a treat and wander off. When they did I would blow the whistle. At first they would just look around at the noise and I had to lean down with my hand out for them to come running. But by the end of the day (and several different trips outside) they would come running when I blew the whistle about 80% of the time.
The next step is to take them to the dog park where there are more distractions and see if they come when I whistle.
They already know what "let's go home" means. When I say that they make a bee line for the door .
I was working on the computer in the bedroom and Luke was sitting on my bed but I did not know where Leia had gone. She is a nosy little rascal . I got the whistle and blew it and she came running from the dining room so I gave them both a treat.
Outside they are always on a leash but since we are at the end of a dead end street I sometimes let go and just let them wander with it dragging. If they don't get to far away, I can always just step on it to stop them .
BE CAREFUL when walking dogs or letting them run freely in parks.
And be responsible enough to keep your dogs under control and/or on leash at all times when you're off your own property. For others' dog bite prevention, and to eliminate the risk of being sued for everything you have if someone gets bit.
Trust me, after getting bit in April, I'm even more hypersensitive about dogs and dog owners than I was before getting bit. Pepper spray is also a good thing if you're out and about, and won't hurt the dogs.
Life is like a roller coaster, with lots of ups and downs, but the curves, spirals, loops and corkscrews are what make life interesting.
Originally posted by BrenauMom: I don't know if I read this in a book or saw it on a show but I am training the dogs to come when I blow a whistle.
Do you ever watch Victoria Stillwell's show "It's Me or the Dog"? Cuz I've seen her use that technique on dogs that were allowed to run loose in a field but were having problems with recall (getting them to come back 100% of the time).
Posts: 7864 | Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE | Registered: March 12, 2004
Judy-great job! My dogs would never respond to a whistle, or anything else for that matter. They have grown up from puppies in a fenced yard, and on leashes for walks. They would have NO idea how to behave with no leash.
Just a quick side note-we went to take both dogs to the park for a walk last night. As we crossed our street I noticed 2 pit bulls (each about 6 months-1 yr old). And I have NO problem with pits-fiancee has one at his moms that is a big doll-baby of a dog). The boy walking both dogs was about 11 or 12. As we left the sidewalk to cross over to the park the 2 pits started dragging this poor child across the street to get to us and our dogs! I ran to the porch with one dog and Jay ran down the hill with our other dog. You NEVER know how any stranger dog will react. These dogs were dragging this boy into the street, he fell and was being dragged across our street on his stomach by the two dogs. We managed to get our 2 dogs into the house and tried to talk to this young man but he ran up the street with his dogs and we did not see him again. I worry that he is okay. I also worry that his parents let him walk two very strong and powerful dogs alone with little control over them. Sorry to hijack your thread Judy, but just a warning to fellow dog owners to BE CAREFUL when walking dogs or letting them run freely in parks. Whether you have a big dog or small dog, there is always a risk when other dogs approach yours.
Jill
I have no specific goal(s) right now. I am trying to find the spiritual side of myself that I lost somewhere along the way.
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