1. Special Name or cue for Recall so you can have a more and a less urgent recall option 2. Create value in your dog remaining close to you so a recall becomes an invite 3. Middle trick because it's fun and a great recall cue alternative 4. Make sure your dog doesn't think you touching the collar or harness means that the fun is over. Desensitize collar grabs or they'll try to escape after a recall 5. Use a long line on a harness for the next few weeks or months until the recall is solid in all situations. Buy waterproof long lines, anything else is just inconvenient
Middle is one of the most useful things I taught my dog, it has never failed to get her to disengage and refocus, running to the middle happily. Having said that, I saved special treats for middle training- little 1/2 inch cubes of leftover barbecued hamburgers, as it was summer, but it didn't take long to teach.
So empowering! Thank you for breaking recall down into 5 easy-to-remember and implement tips. It all makes so much sense and the beauty of this is that all of these games/tips can be used for other dog training things too. Super!!! I have added this to our training plan! So excited xxxxx
Tom and Lauren, I am learning so much from Sexier than a squirrel with my working cocker. You explain things so well and I can’t wait to try the next course.
I’ve been doing STAS and it’s been fantastic. Thank you both.. My possibly very stupid question is relating to the above recall training, If your dog’s name is sacred and you don’t use it for recall but use a word or noise of some sort, when do use your dog’s name apart from when you’re cooing over him
Ok, my dog is exactly as Lauren described, great recall, but just not interested in staying close... So will keep playing the games, and hope it will eventually get into his thick head (his head is massive for his size). He's just too fast and too interested in absolutely everything...
Hey there! We have a super podcast with several episodes on recall as well as a bunch of other great episodes. You can listen here: absolute-dogs.com/resources/?resource_format=podcast 🥳
So have 30-ft long line for my GSD and she will stay 40 feet away to avoid being caught. Have walked and walked alone with her following at 40 feet for max of 2 hrs trying to grab that line. Have used the recall recall recall with a ball her favorite toy on a soccer field and she will run when she gets tired, about 3-5 throws. Then you will not catch her for 2 hrs. She is now a housedog. Cannot chase her for that long. I do not chase, I walk the opposite way and she still will not come close. I have MS and cannot possibly work that hard to catch her.
Hey! You are great owners, you can see the struggles and want solutions. Pick your battles - I don’t walk some of mine if the situation or the dynamic isn’t good. It’s okay. You got this!
I use "finish" to have her by my side as she is tall and I am crippled with arthritic knees and a titanium hip so middle would be dangerous for me. She does finish for a few throws of the ball and then she runs off. Am working on "reactive dog" right now and using lots of yummy treats so trying to work the recall into the training as well.
This is a great review! Do you find middle useful for an anxious dog? Can it be a stepping stone to help build dogs confidence? (Eg scenario, going for a walk and there is something scary-to-the-dog nearby, and it is not possible to move away..)
I have honestly tried everything on offer, my girl is so scent-driven she goes completely deaf. She has never been off lead in the two years I have had her. I am clearly doing something wrong but just can’t find a key to this. Any advice welcome
Have you tried playing these games in the house (and then the garden) to start with? There are some other games that super charge recall too, like 'catch me if you can' or 'proximity vortex'. These games are super charged energy wise so we only have 2 or 3 goes, but if you throw in your recall cue as your dog chases you you are adding an amazing value to the cue. I believe key to a good recall is proximity games. A dog that wants to hang out with you is far more likely to recall well as there is high value being near you. Hope this helps
Hi Mary. Tom discusses this about 6 minutes into this video on teaching middle th-cam.com/video/NF83x0idlj8/w-d-xo.html You can do middle and have the dog go into a down or you can bring the dog to your side.
This is great thanks. Do you have any videos on how to specifically train with the long line? With no other dogs around, my Patterdale is good at recall, however as soon as he sees another dog, that's it he is gone and no chance of him coming back. I am unsure if this is excitement as he is only 4 months, but I don't want this to become a habit so I have just got a long line from you guys to try and train him out of this.
I'll follow here, very interested in any tips. I have similar problem with mine, he'll either run after the dog or a person, or when I stop him with the long line, he'll still stand there "frozen", as if he grew roots and nothing else matters. Only when the distraction is out of sight he will turn around and come to me.
My dog behaves super well on his long line, he comes when called and waits and watches me and all that, but as soon as the long line is off, his behaviour changes completely. Hopefully these games will help
Hey Samantha, they certainly will! You may also want to grow his flexibility by playing the games and growing his engagement with the games without the long line in an enclosed space so you know he's safe. Think of creative ways you can change small variables in the picture to grow his brain in flexibility so he can apply those awesome skills he has with the long line to any environment or situation!
My pup is smart and impulsive...she knows when she is on the 30ft lead and is NOT motivated by food but is 100% focused on her ball - except when she sees other people then she is off like a bullet dropping the ball and rush to jump on people. She is truly a social director but it's not good to have this lack of solid recall and the jumping is a HUGE issue.
I have started using the tips from the video, I can see some improvement, but I am aware it will not be an easy task with my dog. I have a question though - about the proximity, you say you want your dogs near you, does it mean I shouldn't let him wander around? at the moment I am using very long lead, which is on the ground, but the dog does walk around and explore, I don't try to make him be around me all the time.
I believe the idea behind the long line is that is your dog remains within the length of the lead he is free to do what he wants and is therefore remaining in your proximity. I have a mark on my long lead (or you could tie a know) at the 9 meter length - when I see my dog is approaching this I encourage him back (middle, come, etc)
Do all your games revolve around food? I have a dog who is not food motivated, will I be able to find games to motivate my dog in other ways on your website?
Just signed up for the Squirrel ! You mention with #3 Middle that you have it explained step by step in another video ... but where?? ther are so many videos I don't know which one to look at. I've tried this and end up in a tangle with my arms and then the dog goes around the other way !! LOL Help !
I'm happy for my dog not to be round me on our walks, he wonders off for 2 or 3 mins then he pops up to check in then he's off sniffing snd digging. I see lots of dogs off lead walking next to owners, how is that fun for the dog?
Hey there! It's great to hear that your dog checks in with you regularly while off lead. Some dogs really value being in close proximity and will choose to hang out next to their owner and that's cool too! Why not also check out our blog Recall Training 101 with some amazing tips for a great recall! absolute-dogs.com/blogs/gamechangers/recall-training-101-top-tips-to-teach-your-dog-to-come-when-called
Hi, new to the channel so apologies if this has been asked previously. I've seen you mention "daily food allowance" a number of times. What do you do if your dog isn't motivated by normal food? Ours eats very little of normal dog food but giver he some human food and she's all over it. This then results in a bad tummy! Is there a way of playing the games without dry food?
Middle doesn’t work now as my Berner is too big!!! Now what. And the long line isn’t helpful with a100lb berner on the end who has decided to go the opposite direction 😫😭😭
Some of us are not used to the English accent and because you talk so fast, it's very easy to miss what you're saying. Is there any chance you could slow down a little for those of us on this side of the pond? I am training a border collie and really love your suggestions (when I can follow them).
Hi Avila--- there is an icon that looks like a wheel- click on that and you can change the speed (slow it down) AND add subtitles😊. Also subtitles on the cc icon.
Thanks for getting in touch! I have attached our Ditch the bowl 'Raw" version for you to go through, it has some great alternatives for how to ditch the bowl when feeding wet or raw. You might still give them food from a bowl occasionally and that's fine, try scatter feeding, slow feed bowls, puzzle feeders. These are all ways to get their dinner. Try not to overthink the process and just see it as a pot a value that you can put into training or your relationship!
Tom and Lauren also have a great podcast episode that explores other reward strategies, you can listen to it here: iTunes Spotify Google Podcasts Training Without Food (Link) Have fun with it Gamechanger! Let us know how you get on,
sooo... we can do these games inside but when I try to take them outside they go to pot and Schnucki likes to run! I do change the 'value' for outside, kibble is enough inside but not out. Any suggestions?
Hey Kerry! Our dogs can struggle to focus and play games when they are faced with lots of distractions. To help them out with this particular struggle, we recommend playing new games in a low level distracting environment such as inside the home. Once they start to show a good understanding of the games we can take them outside into the garden or driveway to play and then move onto the big wide world 🌎 You got this Gamechanger ❤️
Cathy, with the orientation game you mark them as they orient towards you. With the name game, you say the name just before they orient towards you. It's a subtle difference in the timing - with orientation game they make the decision to turn towards you and then you mark whereas with the name game you are prompting them to turn towards you.
Yes exactly… and collies are born to do this stuff. My Reacue doodle isn’t interested enough in food, she just wants to have fun and run about. I want her to run about and have fun and don’t need her to stick by my side all the time
Hey Louise! Fun fact O'day: not all dogs have the foody gene! Great news is we can grow it through games and Ditching the Bowl! You're already half way there! Here's an awesome podcast from Tom & Lauren about how to grow your dog's food motivation 🙌th-cam.com/video/cSagUhtnh6M/w-d-xo.html
@@absoluteDogsofficial Thank you for your quick response. I’ve been watching you’re videos and this afternoon have played with his kibble just one piece at a time throwing so he has to fetch and then calling him back for a piece out of my hand and he’s eaten 3 handfuls!! .., you have helped and given me plenty of food for thought…THANK YOU X
1. Special Name or cue for Recall so you can have a more and a less urgent recall option
2. Create value in your dog remaining close to you so a recall becomes an invite
3. Middle trick because it's fun and a great recall cue alternative
4. Make sure your dog doesn't think you touching the collar or harness means that the fun is over. Desensitize collar grabs or they'll try to escape after a recall
5. Use a long line on a harness for the next few weeks or months until the recall is solid in all situations. Buy waterproof long lines, anything else is just inconvenient
Super 🤩
Middle is one of the most useful things I taught my dog, it has never failed to get her to disengage and refocus, running to the middle happily. Having said that, I saved special treats for middle training- little 1/2 inch cubes of leftover barbecued hamburgers, as it was summer, but it didn't take long to teach.
I'm a short person with a big dog, so middle doesn't work for us but we've had lots of laughs trying :'D
They explain alternatives for that twds the end of the middle-teaching video. Basically, you have them either do a middle-down or come to the side.
So empowering! Thank you for breaking recall down into 5 easy-to-remember and implement tips. It all makes so much sense and the beauty of this is that all of these games/tips can be used for other dog training things too. Super!!! I have added this to our training plan! So excited xxxxx
Can I see a dog not already trained cause I have a 5 month old Australian Shepherd puppy who is going to puppy classes
this content is brilliant- great tips that I can tell will be fun.
Tom and Lauren, I am learning so much from Sexier than a squirrel with my working cocker. You explain things so well and I can’t wait to try the next course.
Great hints, Thank you Tom and Lauren
your set is the bomb!
I’ve been doing STAS and it’s been fantastic. Thank you both.. My possibly very stupid question is relating to the above recall training, If your dog’s name is sacred and you don’t use it for recall but use a word or noise of some sort, when do use your dog’s name apart from when you’re cooing over him
I don't think we realise just how often we use our dog's name which is why AD suggests using a different cue.
Fantastic tips as always ❤❤❤❤
Thank you! 🥰 We hope they help!
Ok, my dog is exactly as Lauren described, great recall, but just not interested in staying close... So will keep playing the games, and hope it will eventually get into his thick head (his head is massive for his size). He's just too fast and too interested in absolutely everything...
Great tips thanks.
Hey there! We have a super podcast with several episodes on recall as well as a bunch of other great episodes. You can listen here: absolute-dogs.com/resources/?resource_format=podcast 🥳
So have 30-ft long line for my GSD and she will stay 40 feet away to avoid being caught. Have walked and walked alone with her following at 40 feet for max of 2 hrs trying to grab that line. Have used the recall recall recall with a ball her favorite toy on a soccer field and she will run when she gets tired, about 3-5 throws. Then you will not catch her for 2 hrs. She is now a housedog. Cannot chase her for that long. I do not chase, I walk the opposite way and she still will not come close. I have MS and cannot possibly work that hard to catch her.
Hey!
You are great owners, you can see the struggles and want solutions.
Pick your battles - I don’t walk some of mine if the situation or the dynamic isn’t good. It’s okay.
You got this!
Great vids ❤️🙏🏼
funny thing I started using Boop in a high tone. Don't know why but Arlo responded to it and does now.
we have found that "yippee" is really good for us - sounds fun i guess.
What bed is this? The wooden sofa-esque one?
I use "finish" to have her by my side as she is tall and I am crippled with arthritic knees and a titanium hip so middle would be dangerous for me. She does finish for a few throws of the ball and then she runs off. Am working on "reactive dog" right now and using lots of yummy treats so trying to work the recall into the training as well.
Keep Rocking it Gamechanger!
This is a great review! Do you find middle useful for an anxious dog? Can it be a stepping stone to help build dogs confidence? (Eg scenario, going for a walk and there is something scary-to-the-dog nearby, and it is not possible to move away..)
Yes indeed it can be. I have been using middle as one of the many games to build confidence in dogs who come to me.
I love your videos! Where is the video for teaching 'Middle' please? 😁
This one teaches middle! Have fun!
th-cam.com/video/NF83x0idlj8/w-d-xo.html
I have honestly tried everything on offer, my girl is so scent-driven she goes completely deaf. She has never been off lead in the two years I have had her. I am clearly doing something wrong but just can’t find a key to this. Any advice welcome
Have you tried playing these games in the house (and then the garden) to start with? There are some other games that super charge recall too, like 'catch me if you can' or 'proximity vortex'. These games are super charged energy wise so we only have 2 or 3 goes, but if you throw in your recall cue as your dog chases you you are adding an amazing value to the cue.
I believe key to a good recall is proximity games. A dog that wants to hang out with you is far more likely to recall well as there is high value being near you. Hope this helps
This is great thank you. But I can't find the video you mention about how to achieve middle. Please could you let me know how to access it? thanks
Hi Jane. Here it is. th-cam.com/video/NF83x0idlj8/w-d-xo.html It's also listed in the text below the video
I wish you would address how to adapt Middle for large and giant breeds who are too big to safely use this game.
I think I've seen them address this, they suggest you have you dog come to the side of you instead and maybe alternate sides.. hope this helps.. x
Hi Mary. Tom discusses this about 6 minutes into this video on teaching middle th-cam.com/video/NF83x0idlj8/w-d-xo.html You can do middle and have the dog go into a down or you can bring the dog to your side.
Thanks I have a St Bernard- Mastiff shattered my knee cap can Really use the help glad that I found these videos 👍
This is great thanks. Do you have any videos on how to specifically train with the long line? With no other dogs around, my Patterdale is good at recall, however as soon as he sees another dog, that's it he is gone and no chance of him coming back. I am unsure if this is excitement as he is only 4 months, but I don't want this to become a habit so I have just got a long line from you guys to try and train him out of this.
I'll follow here, very interested in any tips. I have similar problem with mine, he'll either run after the dog or a person, or when I stop him with the long line, he'll still stand there "frozen", as if he grew roots and nothing else matters. Only when the distraction is out of sight he will turn around and come to me.
Help Tom and Lauren my 3 year old Doberman suddenly can’t get enough of squirrels!
Mine couldn't care less if you have food. Infact she will go 2-3 days without eating. It has taken us almost a year to get her to eat
My dog behaves super well on his long line, he comes when called and waits and watches me and all that, but as soon as the long line is off, his behaviour changes completely. Hopefully these games will help
Hey Samantha, they certainly will! You may also want to grow his flexibility by playing the games and growing his engagement with the games without the long line in an enclosed space so you know he's safe. Think of creative ways you can change small variables in the picture to grow his brain in flexibility so he can apply those awesome skills he has with the long line to any environment or situation!
My pup is smart and impulsive...she knows when she is on the 30ft lead and is NOT motivated by food but is 100% focused on her ball - except when she sees other people then she is off like a bullet dropping the ball and rush to jump on people. She is truly a social director but it's not good to have this lack of solid recall and the jumping is a HUGE issue.
Hey Shona, such a common problem. I'm sure these games will really help you!
I have started using the tips from the video, I can see some improvement, but I am aware it will not be an easy task with my dog.
I have a question though - about the proximity, you say you want your dogs near you, does it mean I shouldn't let him wander around? at the moment I am using very long lead, which is on the ground, but the dog does walk around and explore, I don't try to make him be around me all the time.
I believe the idea behind the long line is that is your dog remains within the length of the lead he is free to do what he wants and is therefore remaining in your proximity. I have a mark on my long lead (or you could tie a know) at the 9 meter length - when I see my dog is approaching this I encourage him back (middle, come, etc)
Do all your games revolve around food? I have a dog who is not food motivated, will I be able to find games to motivate my dog in other ways on your website?
Just signed up for the Squirrel ! You mention with #3 Middle that you have it explained step by step in another video ... but where?? ther are so many videos I don't know which one to look at. I've tried this and end up in a tangle with my arms and then the dog goes around the other way !! LOL Help !
I'm happy for my dog not to be round me on our walks, he wonders off for 2 or 3 mins then he pops up to check in then he's off sniffing snd digging. I see lots of dogs off lead walking next to owners, how is that fun for the dog?
Hey there! It's great to hear that your dog checks in with you regularly while off lead. Some dogs really value being in close proximity and will choose to hang out next to their owner and that's cool too!
Why not also check out our blog Recall Training 101 with some amazing tips for a great recall!
absolute-dogs.com/blogs/gamechangers/recall-training-101-top-tips-to-teach-your-dog-to-come-when-called
Hi, new to the channel so apologies if this has been asked previously. I've seen you mention "daily food allowance" a number of times. What do you do if your dog isn't motivated by normal food? Ours eats very little of normal dog food but giver he some human food and she's all over it. This then results in a bad tummy! Is there a way of playing the games without dry food?
Using my dogs daily food allowance for reinforcement is difficult as she has Butternut Box home cooked food. Have you any suggestions, please?
Does "middle" work with very large dogs? I have a dane.
Middle doesn’t work now as my Berner is too big!!! Now what. And the long line isn’t helpful with a100lb berner on the end who has decided to go the opposite direction 😫😭😭
Hi Carolyn,
You could teach your Berner to come to your side instead or they could lie down in a middle position.
The possibilities are endless! ⭐
Some of us are not used to the English accent and because you talk so fast, it's very easy to miss what you're saying. Is there any chance you could slow down a little for those of us on this side of the pond? I am training a border collie and really love your suggestions (when I can follow them).
You can slow down any TH-cam video by pressing the three dots up in the corner 😊
Hi Avila--- there is an icon that looks like a wheel- click on that and you can change the speed (slow it down) AND add subtitles😊. Also subtitles on the cc icon.
how to play the game(s) if the dog eats only raw meat?
Thanks for getting in touch!
I have attached our Ditch the bowl 'Raw" version for you to go through, it has some great alternatives for how to ditch the bowl when feeding wet or raw.
You might still give them food from a bowl occasionally and that's fine, try scatter feeding, slow feed bowls, puzzle feeders. These are all ways to get their dinner. Try not to overthink the process and just see it as a pot a value that you can put into training or your relationship!
Tom and Lauren also have a great podcast episode that explores other reward strategies, you can listen to it here:
iTunes
Spotify
Google Podcasts
Training Without Food (Link)
Have fun with it Gamechanger! Let us know how you get on,
@@absoluteDogsofficial is there a url available perhaps?
sooo... we can do these games inside but when I try to take them outside they go to pot and Schnucki likes to run! I do change the 'value' for outside, kibble is enough inside but not out. Any suggestions?
Hey Kerry!
Our dogs can struggle to focus and play games when they are faced with lots of distractions. To help them out with this particular struggle, we recommend playing new games in a low level distracting environment such as inside the home. Once they start to show a good understanding of the games we can take them outside into the garden or driveway to play and then move onto the big wide world 🌎
You got this Gamechanger ❤️
I've been looking for a whip to start playing impulse control games but not sure where to buy one, any tips?
Amazon.uk.theycall them flirt poles.
my dad doesnt want to buy a long line as they're quite expensive so could we just use a strong rope with strong knots
Look on ebay. I got one for £5
Can also find for cheap on amazon. We got a 30ft leash for $10CAD
What happens though if you have your dog on a long line and he charges away from you. How do you get him back?
You shorten the lead and bring him back to you
@@lydiapujol4096 i think they mean if you've dropped the lead like the video was suggesting?
What if the dog is not hungry or is too anxious to eat?
We ditch the bowl with our dogs and use their daily food allowance for games. Try to build the games up at home in a familiar environment.
How is the name game different from the orientation game?
Cathy, with the orientation game you mark them as they orient towards you. With the name game, you say the name just before they orient towards you. It's a subtle difference in the timing - with orientation game they make the decision to turn towards you and then you mark whereas with the name game you are prompting them to turn towards you.
But these dogs are already trained to do it. U need a dog that’s not trained to this n show us how it is done.
Yes exactly… and collies are born to do this stuff. My Reacue doodle isn’t interested enough in food, she just wants to have fun and run about. I want her to run about and have fun and don’t need her to stick by my side all the time
My dog isn’t into food..I have to spoon feed him
Hey Louise!
Fun fact O'day: not all dogs have the foody gene! Great news is we can grow it through games and Ditching the Bowl! You're already half way there!
Here's an awesome podcast from Tom & Lauren about how to grow your dog's food motivation 🙌th-cam.com/video/cSagUhtnh6M/w-d-xo.html
@@absoluteDogsofficial Thank you for your quick response. I’ve been watching you’re videos and this afternoon have played with his kibble just one piece at a time throwing so he has to fetch and then calling him back for a piece out of my hand and he’s eaten 3 handfuls!! .., you have helped and given me plenty of food for thought…THANK YOU X
Hi Louise,
That's great! 🤩 You're a real gamechanger! Keep up the amazing work! ⭐️
Great, but please slow the speech down and don't talk over each other!
I feel like the video could’ve been five minutes shorter if they edited out each time she said “actually”
Thank you for your feedback 😀
So starve the dog and only feed by hand 👌🏼