Whippets love to run and may be quick to react impulsive to movement.
Teaching a Rapid Recall can ensure that your Whippet has the opportunity to be offlead and enjoying a good zoomie!
Not Sure on Recall? Be Safe
If your not sure on your Whippets recall then start out safe. Try renting out a private paddock to test out their recall or use a long line when in busier places. Using a long line can be a key step in teaching a recall for some Whippets. It ensures they don’t get into the habit of running after distractions. Practice Makes Perfect! If your Whippet gets practice running off, they will get better at it. Biothane Long Lines or Tracking Lines (with rubber threading) are ideal for Whippets.
Use a high value reward JUST for recall!
Using a high value reward that is only used for recall can be perfect to ensure that your Whippet learns that they get the BEST stuff for coming back when you call them. This helps BOOST their value in that recall. This might be pieces of cheese, dried sprats, liver cake or even a high value tuggy toy. This means they only get the BEST stuff in the world for that Rapid Recall!
Create Clarity
Ensure your being clear on your recall. Use a clear recall cue. A dogs name is not usually enough! Think about how often you say your dogs name day to day, they may tune it out. Using a phrase such as “Fido Come” Or “Fido Here” can be really helpful and clear. It will help your dog understand you want them to come back to you to get paid!
Practice small - Build Up
Start in low distraction areas. This might even be room to room in your house or garden. You want hundreds of repetitions of good positive recall. You want a reflex of your dog hearing their recall cue and coming back instantly! Then start to build it up to more distracting areas carefully.
DONT punish your dog for not being fast enough or coming back too slowly.
It can be frustrating if your dog does not come back quickly or even doesn’t listen but eventually strolls back to you! However it is important not to punish your dog for not coming back fast enough. Punishment will make them less likely to come back and they may even actively avoid you as they don’t want the punishment.
Recall and Release
Make sure that your calling your dog often and releasing them back to their walk often. Don’t just be the fun police! If you recall your dog and they always have to onlead, they may see that as very frustrating and not want to come back, however tasty the treat! Be sure to recall, treat, pop them on lead, then release regularly!
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