It's the most common complaint from dog owners: "He doesn't always come when I call him. If he's distracted, he pretends to be deaf!".
Why is that? You probably practiced it at home first and it worked. But outside everything is different. And that's not because of the dog, it's because of you. Because then your voice changes the dog senses your anger and worry. He simply didn't generalize that your recall not only applies in the apartment and on the dog run, but everywhere. You can change that.
It doesn't go any further
As long as you are unsure, you do not have your body language and spoken language under control, take the dog on the tow line and allow it a maximum ten meter running radius around you. If he wants more space, draw attention to you immediately and call/whistle. You will soon notice that your dog will voluntarily turn to you when it has exhausted its radius. Even when running free, let him run no more than ten meters in front of, next to or behind you, then call him to you.
That's right
If your dog follows the recall promptly, it should know that it was great. Admire, cheer, praise him vigorously. Let him grab the special treat . Play a fun game with him. And all in nuances. If he was really sensationally fast, there's the highest level. If he came hesitantly (but at least), not quite as much. Sounds strange, but the dog registers these gradations very precisely. And will - in anticipation of the highest feelings of happiness - soon be at your side seconds after the signal.
One time is enough
If your dog is not hard of hearing, he will hear your call/whistle. A repetition is not only superfluous, but also counterproductive. Because he learns that the first signal means nothing and gets used to it. You, in turn, build up a bad mood and forget the reputation rules. So call / whistle and then wait (relaxed) until the dog comes of its own accord.
Don't threaten, just entice
Remember that your dog will pay attention to looks first and then to sounds. Standing upright looks threatening to dogs and triggers avoidance behavior. make yourself small Anyone who lures in a squat or kneel shows that the dog is welcome.
trust is good
If you don't believe that your dog will immediately turn and run to you, he won't either. Not even if you're yelling pissed off. Taking deep breaths usually helps to put yourself in a positive frame of mind and make the recall the way you practiced at home: enticing and mysterious.
Think of something nice when you shout. Or choose a word that has positive connotations for you: Hooray, won, Yes! for example. Then your voice will no longer sound demanding or nervous.
recall burned?
If the dog doesn't even prick up its ears at your call or whistle, you'll have to build the recall from scratch. At home, where he has no distractions and can fully concentrate on you and what you are doing. Stock up on extra fancy treats before his meal. Choose a new signal or a different whistle. Then the usual procedure follows: You call out the name, your new signal. If he comes, there's the treat. Only use the signal outside if it always works indoors, even if you call from another room.
You are now sure that the recall is on point. Your dog stays within the specified radius even without a leash. You don't need to call anymore. Not correct! Every signal fades in memory if it is not used for a long time. So call your dog over to you from time to time. So that the recall works even if a rabbit jumps up or a car approaches. Each repetition strengthens the signals. And at some point your dog will stop thinking, he will come automatically when he hears the call / whistle .
