To Praise or Not to Praise

[SABELLESMOM]

I'm not trying to make people think an offlead dog is "safe." But, I DO get Your Dog magazine published in Great Britain. (excellent btw!) So I have an idea what it might be like to roam free in an open field. I also grew up on a farm, where there were acres and acres of open land to walk upon. And accross the ocean, there are areas in the country, without roads or automobiles, where people are encouraged to walk/hike.

Please do keep your dog safe. But next time you're in Barnes and Nobles, see if you might wish to grab the magazine off the rack and look at those beautiful, serene areas of fields, lakes, rivers and streams to walk by. No roads, no cars... no it doesn't mean free of danger, of course. There's always the risk of harm from an animal from the wild, a bog, or a hole in the ground. (But there's NO rabies, there.)

[JaniceH]

Hi Poohbearsmom,

Thank you for your advice although I am getting paranoic because people keep highlighting the fact about not punishing your dog when it returns to you.

I don't, never will, and never have done.

When I said to praise or NOT to praise, I didn't mean punish, I meant should I ignore her.

Again Sabellesmom, thanks for clarifying a couple of points. Fortunately we don't get dangerous wild animals here in the UK. The worst are probably cows and bulls, in which case Teazle is ALWAYS on a lead, and they are usually in the valleys, not in the mountains. Teazle thinks sheep are dangerous too, but I will let her keep thinking that. LOL

I am very safety conscious and will even put her back on the lead if it becomes misty on the fells. This is for my peace of mind too.

However, I WILL do some re-inforcement work with her on a long line and even go back to areas where she last followed a scent.

Thank you again.

[brunie's mom]

Hi Janice;

I am in the same situation as you. Baxter's recall is great...and he always returns quickly when called. We also walk off leash through our pastures...but I have the same problem with Baxter.

If he see's the deer or wild turkey or get's a sniff of them in our apple orchard...his nose goes first...and he does not hear me or aknowledge that he has heard me. He wants to chase.

He never chases far, once he realizes that they have outrun or outflown him...and I can always see him in the distance. He usually sniffs around for a few seconds, has a pee and then comes flying back to me. I DO praise him.

If I see the deer or realize they are around...I can give him the "leave it" command and the "stay close" command and he will not go after them. Since his sense of smell is so much greater...the bugger always can tell if the deer are around. When I see him put his nose up in the ear to catch a scent...then I can divert his attention.

Our older girl cannot be bothered anymore to chase...she used to do the same. I'm hoping that he will get bored with the deer and wild turkeys eventually and not bother also.

Gina

[JaniceH]

Hi Gina,

Thank you for your reply.

Yes, it is the same exactly. If I see her nose go down and there is this intensity, then I can give her a leave it, or heel command and she is great and obeys immediately. I ALWAYS reward and praise for that reaction!!! Equally, if she sees a deer, although rare, and I see it quick enough, then again one or the other command suffices and she is a star.

[poohbearsmom]

My comments were aimed at others as well.. not meant to isolate you at all...

It sounds as though you know that if you catch her 'in time', before her attention is fully diverted, you have reasonable control. Very good.

It's always good to continue proofing the recall throughout the years.... keeps things fresh, and the dog wondering when that reward is coming.

Good luck to you.

[JaniceH]

Thank Elizabeth...I was probably being a bit over sensitive. I will certainly follow the re-inforcement advice.

[michellemoose]

Good question Janice! I live in the mountains and my dogs are off leash all the time and occasionally my boys will take off after something. It is mainly Buddy who is a 4 year old intact husky shepherd cross, sometimes Cayoosh my border collie will go with him but never alone. Luckily Oskar my little rott doesn't go to far from me...yet, he doesn't like it when the big boys take off and usually starts to cry. I now realize I have been doing it all wrong by calling them and telling them they are bad when they return, no wonder Buddy doesn't come! I like Stephanie's idea of being quiet and waiting for them to find me, I will try this next time.

[damp]

Many dogs in high prey drive, will pretend they are deaf (however the deafness will vanish like dew before the sun when you get home and open the fridge )

I do love and have always worked for a reliable recall... praise praise and praise.
Sometimes "DOWN" works better when a dog chase.
Try that.
However..if the dog figure out it has the choise NOT to obey/come...and it's amazing how fast they learn ... two or three times and you need to walk/work your dog on leash/long line for the next many months (did I said they learn fast )

[kelis]

I know how you feel Janice using a leash round here its blinking impossible, tangled up! more like tied up!! I take Kiya out on the hills off her leash shes been great so far, allways checking over her sholder to see if mums still there!.. You shall have to come up Windermear with us! We're at Back barrow.x

kelis and Kiya.xx

[gore]

My GS was doing that, i think you should praise her for sure. First time it happen i was realy scared i lost him, than it become the best way to exercise. He liked chasing a rabit or deer even when he was old. With time he learn my path in the wood and i didnt even had to wait for him, he was finding me. I think you should take advantage of this, i know i do, there is no better exercise...the only problem is that the chase might last for up to 2 hours so be sure you have the time.

[JaniceH]

Thank you all for your replies. It is re-assuring that some of you have the same experience.

Kelis, Yes, that would be nice to meet up sometime. The long line was/is still a pain and I did/do spend more time untangling it.

Gore, I really don't think my nerves would allow me to relax if ever Teazle dissappeared for 2 hours. The most she has followed a scent for is probably only a minute and then she is back.

I did some actual recall training with her last night whilst out on our walk. Couldn't fault her. Lots of praise and treats. I will keep this up now for quite a while.