Recall help

[Richard.Hosgood]

My little JRT 2 year old dog, the training basics are coming along nicely (I rehomed him from someone who hadnt dont much in the way of training) and he will recall for the main, but if he is distracted by another dog, forget it, not a hope, he is more interested in playing or sniffing than taking any notice of me. Not only is it annoying, it is also embarrasing for me, can frustrate the other dogs owners, and one day I am sure that a dog will not appreciate his attentions and make it clear as such! Can anyone provide me with any help on how to try and address the problem? :unsure:

[UKPoacher]

Get one of those knotted rope toys and put it in your pocket when you go for a walk. When the dog is a few feet away call him back. If he ignores you call in a high pitched voice to get his attention and when he looks at you wave the rope about at his level to entice him back. Let him rag the rope with you ragging the other end for a good spell then tell him to leave and put it away. Repeat every so often in different places so he doesn't pre-empt and as he comes back more reliably try it when he is slightly preoccupied with sniffing. As you go on you can build it up so that the distance is greater as is the pre-occupation. The important thing is that when you call him back he should see you teasing him with the rope. JRTs can't resist ragging something.

 

Eventually you will get to the stage when he will willingly recall because he associates it with having fun at your feet. If you don't have the toy to hand improvise with your leash or hanky or anything, even play fighting with him to give him reward for returning immediately.

[Richard.Hosgood]

Thanks - I shall buy a new rope just for this purpose and see how we get on