If you don’t have a helper for restrained recalls, here’s how I do it solo! I’m using a Biothane long line — no handle, slippery, nothing for it to snag on — and threading it through the leg of my dog walk. The dog walk’s sturdy, so I know it’s not moving. Toy in one hand, line in the other, and before I walk off I make sure Alice is lined up so the tension pulls straight back, not twisting her in the harness.
Check out the video of this training:
I build a little tension, a little frustration, then release right as I say “Alice, come.” Short recall, but a good rep. I do equal numbers left and right. It’s not a big distance recall, but it’s a solid alternative when you’re on your own — just make sure your setup is safe: nothing for the line to catch on, nothing that’ll tip over, and you’re not going to get tangled in it yourself.
Alice’s also decided grabbing my leg on the way in is fun. Cute now, not going to stay cute on a 60-pound dog — that’s going on the list of things to eliminate before it becomes a real problem. But, not yet, because I still think it’s cute 🙂
The other option in this one is a food-toss recall, using the tunnel as a barrier for a little game of chase. I scatter a handful of treats, she goes for them, and I get to the other side before she finishes. This one has a short shelf life — the second she figures out she can just go over the tunnel instead of around it, the barrier stops working. You can already see it happening by the end: she starts giving up on the treats early because chasing me is more interesting, which is your sign the exercise is about done.
Both are good tools when you’re training alone — just know the food-toss game is going to expire fast once your dog gets wise to it.
Both are good tools when you’re training alone — just know the food-toss game is going to expire fast once your dog gets wise to it.
There’s so much content already in the Alice in Wonderland — Puppy Development Blog that it’s way more than I could put in emails. Members have full access, and if you’re not a member, grab the free 3-week preview here:
Alice is growing fast! Check out what’s in the puppy blog so far, there’s a TON, and I’m adding new stuff every day! And, feel free to pass along this email if somebody you know has a puppy and could benefit from watching!