Teaching a puppy recall

[camille79]

I have a 4 month old pup and he is pretty good at recall most of the time. We practice in and outwith the home and reward him every time he comes back. However, the problem is when there are other dogs, people and children around, he just doesn't want to come back he wants to go and explore the new exciting thing!

Can anyone give me any tips? I'm a bit worried as he's getting bigger and want to make sure he will stop running up to other people (especially children!) and will come to me every time I call him.

[woofgang]

At four months he is going to be distractable. I would personally try not to call him back when you know that he isn't going to come...all that teaches him is that he has options. Have you thought about keeping him on a long line or flexi lead when there are lots of exciting things around so that you can INSIST that he comes back. If he is behaving reasonably well with the people and strange dogs then do give him some freedom, if he is n't well socialised at that age, you are building up trouble for later

[jules77]

He is very young, and meeting other dogs, people and children are more exciting and interesitng than coming back to you at this stage.

I would keep him on a long lead like a flex or tracking lead in an area where you would normally loose him off lead, although I wouldnt use a flexi lead for walks as I dont feel you have much control. Too much exercise at this age is not adviseable, and as a general rule 5 minutes per month of age is adviseable, for on lead exercise. I dont let my puppies run have free running with other dogs until much older.

[madmaggot]

You don't say whether you give treats for successful recall, you need to make the prospect of returning to you more desirable than the distractions. One way of doing this is to give a tasty treat when he comes the first time he is called. Or, if he is not food oriented, take his favourite toy and give it to him as a reward for coming when called. Only call him once though or you are teaching him to ignore you. I agree with Woofgang not to call him if you know he is going to ignore you. You should aim to give commands that he is likely to obey rather than setting him up to fail.
I don't personally like extending leads as they just teach the dog to pull on the lead rather than walking by your side. Can I suggest that if you are going to use one of these leads, use it in conjunction with a harness and use the standard collar with a normal lead so that he will know the difference.