Disappointed - recall ruined

[SOS]

As some of you may remember I have a little whippet. She’s now 10 months. Due to her breed I have been very hot on training recall and had her coming to a dog whistle and voice very well.

I had an accident recently and haven’t been able to walk her so have been getting a professional dog Walker to take her out a few days a week and my partner has been taking her to work with him occasionally (farrier so they just get let lose on the yard).

I finally managed to walk her this morning and the recall is gone. Completely, she ignores my voice, ignores the whistle and just bumbled around sniffing and running at her own leisure. Luckily we were in a safe enclosed place… I guess it’s back to the start but just so gutted as we had worked so hard together for it! Learning that dogs need just as much consistency as horses!

 

[CorvusCorax]

Bummer. But she's still young and she might just be going through a phase. Make a new word/link (with me, HERE=it's raining hotdogs ) and you'll crack it in no time. Carnegie Hall and all that, it takes at least 200 repetitions to make a behaviour solid, so I'm told.

 

[SOS]

Bummer. But she's still young and she might just be going through a phase. Make a new word/link (with me, HERE=it's raining hotdogs ) and you'll crack it in no time. Carnegie Hall and all that, it takes at least 200 repetitions to make a behaviour solid, so I'm told.

Yeah true I’m thinking a very high value treat - sausages! And lots of fun recall games in the enclosed field to get her listening to me again and realising recall is important and fun.

 

[Moobli]

Just go back to basics, my lot recall really well to a whistle (especially paired with yummy treats until it is spot on) so don't despair.

 

[AmyMay]

Did your dog walker only walk her on lead?

 

[Lipglosspukka]

You will get it back. Despite the bad rep for recall, I've always actually found whippets very easy to train in that respect.

 

[SOS]

Just go back to basics, my lot recall really well to a whistle (especially paired with yummy treats until it is spot on) so don't despair.

Yeah the whistle was an instant hit! I will take it back to basics. I think I just felt awful this morning after our walk!

Did your dog walker only walk her on lead?

No she walked her off lead as well and had treats in her bag.

You will get it back. Despite the bad rep for recall, I've always actually found whippets very easy to train in that respect.

She’s been a lot easier than my partners lurcher and she’s very food motivated.

 

[PapaverFollis]

My spaniel lost his recall entirely for a very short period during adolescence. It came back but it was really alarming!! Back to basics for a while and you'll be fine.

 

[AmyMay]

So have you chatted to your DW to find out what might have changed? Presumably the dog recalled to them?

 

[Clodagh]

I think CC said this but definitely change the word. I lost heel and realised I was parroting ‘heel’ to complete eye rolling.
I changed it to ‘close’ and taught it as a new command.
She’ll be fine, she’s a teenager!

 

[AmyMay]

I think CC said this but definitely change the word. I lost heel and realised I was parroting ‘heel’ to complete eye rolling.
I changed it to ‘close’ and taught it as a new command.
She’ll be fine, she’s a teenager!

That’s really interesting, and makes so much sense.

I walk a dog who’s recall word by the owner is ‘middle’. And was insistent on me using it as his recall was ‘iffy’. Absolutely did nothing for me using that word - so I use a different command (well it’s the same as I use for all of them) ‘who’s ready?’ Perfect recall every time.

 

[CorvusCorax]

I've had to train over old commands/match new words to behaviours a few times, perfectly doable, especially with a young dog.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

The two before current dogs totally lost the plot re most training at 18 months or so. We used a stamped foot as a reminder and practised a lot of walking out of sight/sit training. It’s do-able, just annoying to have to re-start. I’m a bit astonished that you’re walking the dog already (the broom incident??). Look after yourself!

 

[paisley]

The recall is still there, but now you effectively have a teenager whippet . Mine lost his at 11 months and like everyone has suggested, back to basics, change the recall word ( ours is a very squeaky " Whizzzz!, " because nobody else is prepared to make such a stupid sound in public), and use a long line if you need to ?

 

[SOS]

Thankyou all. I think her age and my time off walking her coincided badly hence why it was such an extreme change! The dog Walker says she comes fine to her with the “come” command and sits for a treat. My command was also “come” but i think we need a new word. She’s quite bright and picks up new commands well… but also is clever enough to unlearn them quickly!

. I’m a bit astonished that you’re walking the dog already (the broom incident??). Look after yourself!

I am trying my best to take it easy.. we have a large enclosed field where we live (my landlord uses it for gun dog training). So I am now slowly walking around the perimeter. Atleast recall training is a lot of stopping and starting! Thankyou though.

 

[[139672]]

Try ‘what’s this?’ Said like a question and say it quickly. I’ve always found that works very well but best thing is the squeak of a tennis ball for my dog! If you se what’s this I’d recommend a high value treat or favourite toy, never lie and say it without that, they remember LOL

 

[Annette4]

If it's any consolation, even with continuous training, Fizz and Dobby both regressed at the same age despite continuous training. Granted Dobby never came back but that was because his foundations weren't actually there, he was copying his sister.