How Labrador Retriever Training Can Help In Improving A Dog’s Recall
Among the most basic commands that dog owners and trainers will need to practice again and again is teaching the dog to respond to “come.” Practically all labrador retriever owners can recall the day a formerly loving dog eventually learns to give a blank look in response to “come,” while walking in the opposite direction.
But out of justice to the breed, it is possible also that they are growing into their individualistic, passing phase. But nothing beats being on top of the situation of course! Owners that want to deal with a lack of a sense of recall can try leashing the dog on a 50 foot rope, giving the dog the chance to roam. If you want to teach the dog to come, call for it, and give a few tugs to “reel” it in if it does not. Nevertheless, have treats and a reward at ready when the dog gets to you.
The next labrador retriever training tip involves using a whistle as an upfront and no-compromise way of instilling recall in a dog. In this tip, the reason why the dog fails to appreciate verbal recall is that owners usually cheapen it by using it too much, not enforcing it, misuse, and other forms of inconsistency.
Teach a dog to respond by giving a whistle blast then a treat to the attentive dog. The average labrador retriever will only need two to three repetitions in order to let the lesson register. The dog will also all the more keep coming to you if there is no pattern to the treats and rewards you give. In other words, make random, unpredictable and mixed up how often you give the treat, the belly rub, the kibble, etc.
Still another labrador retriever training tip to try out is to have the dog stay a good distance away between you and another person. Both of you will take turns calling the dog and giving it treats each time it comes. This way the dog associates the recall command with pleasant stuff.
Lastly, try playing hide and seek with the dog. At times, a dog in the thick of “this is more interesting , I’ll get back to you later” will notice you missing from the trail and will come running to you as you call from behind a tree. Similar to the “hide” strategy or “give chase” strategy, try turning around and going the opposite way.
