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recall command(s)
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recall command(s)
Hi,
I am practicing ‘COME’ with my gsd pups (now 13 weeks), and I have some questions/insecureties about this:
First of all, English is not my native language, so I hope I understood correctly that ‘recall’ means calling the dog to come to you. But what sort of ‘COME’ is implied with the word recall? The reason Im asking is because well, when I use the COME command, I’m happy with the pup coming over to me to collect his YES and reward to be released again. I do not really care yet if he stands, sits or crashes onto the ground in front of me, nor do I pay attention if he is super-super close to my legs or not. As far as I know, that is not stuff that is important just yet? However, what do I do then when I do want him to start perfecting it in furture? Do you then switch to HERE as a command, marking a distinct difference in the request?
Also I noticed that on walks, I also use the word ‘come’ when I just want him to stop sniffing and start moving again and walk with me, so he does not really have to come “to” me. It’s more a “yo, come along” kind of thing. And I do that a lot. When I noticed this, I figured that might be confusing; me using COME both when I want him to really come to me and in other situations to just move along again during the walk. At this point is does not seem to be an isse, but that might not hold true for the future?
Anyway… how do you guys deal with this? How do you tell your dog to:
1. inform the dog to get his nose off that bush and come along again;
2. tell the dog to come to you as a command combined with a reward for doing so;
3. tell the dog (later on?) to do a ‘tighter’ COME and really get in front of you.
4. if not answered in the above: when do you use COME, and when HERE?And is all of the above a ‘recall’ or is recall a specific thing?
Thanks in advance for your time,
Eke -
3 Replies
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Good questions, Eke! Here are the commands I use:
1) “Come” – this is what any puppies or new dogs start with. It just means come to me. Especially when they are just learning the command, I start praising as soon as they begin to turn and come my way. Then, as soon as they reach me, I give my release word “Yes!” and reward. They are not expected to add some other behavior such as a Sit when they reach me. As they become proficient with the command, I will start adding distance (how far away they are from me when I give the command), distraction (how exciting other things in the environment are), and duration (how long they have to remain in front of me before they get the reward). With the last one, I want them to stay in front of me long enough for me to be able to put a leash on them, give them another command, or whatever else I may want to do. I only add one of these “Ds” at a time, though, and do it very gradually.
2) “Front” – this is my formal recall. It means run to me and sit right in front of me, waiting for whatever is going to happen next.
3) “Let’s Go!” – I don’t really consider this a recall since the dog doesn’t return to me. I use it out on walks and it means just what you said – Stop doing whatever you are doing and catch up with (or he can go past) me. I just want him heading the same direction I am going.
4) “Heel” – this isn’t taught as a recall initially, but eventually can be part of a recall. “Heel” means get into position on my left side. This might be given when he is sitting right in front of me or when he is across the field. Either way, it means move into position and then remain in that position even if I start moving.
There is nothing magical about any of these words. You could certainly use “Here” instead of “Front.” And since English is a second language for you, you can certainly use words in your native language. It was really very perceptive of you to realize that you were using the word “Come” to mean two different things for your dog. That is certainly something that you want to correct. Otherwise, it sounds like you are doing a great job! Enjoy your pup.
Riggan
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Thanks for your elaborate and informative reply Riggan, I find it really helpful.
With the input of your experiences, I think I will stick/change to:
1) KOM (COME)
2) HIER (HERE, as our translation of FRONT is VOOR, which sounds too much like KOM.
3) Will think this one over, as I also used KOM in this scenario, and most logical Dutch words that spring to mind are too much in resemblance of already existing commands.
4)VOET (FOOT)Eke
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Riggan’s commands folow what I have seen in these videos. I use “with me” when I want my dog beside me but not a ridged “heel” and “this way” on a long line when I just want her to change direction. Instead of Riggan’s “lets go”.
Having your chosen “words” have only one meaning is best. once again according to the training guides.😊
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