Ditch the short leash?

In this Issue

• 🐕‍🦺 Begin reliable recall training to ditch the short leash

• ❓ Poll results - what causes hyperactivity?

• 👩‍⚕️ Vet-approved advice around recall

• 🛒 Product pick - simple swivel leash

• 🍪 Treats - interesting articles and links for doggos

Letting your dog off leash may seem like a dangerous experiment. What if they take off? What’s the right way to react if they don’t come when you call? Is it worth the hassle to teach them recall when you could just keep them on the leash for walks, anyway?

Teaching your dog reliable recall is always worth the extra effort. There may come a day when someone leaves the door open, an unfamiliar person takes care of them, or they see an irresistible trigger and rip the leash out of your hand.

How many lost dog posts have you read that start with “My dog got away from me, and…” or “Someone left the door open, and…” Wouldn’t it be great if your story could be “My dog got away from me, and…I called him back.”

We’ve got everything you need to know about teaching your dog reliable recall.

Poll Results

We asked, and you answered! Most of you believe canine hyperactivity is a result of boredom. Surprisingly, only 13% chose squirrels 🐿.

Sit & Stay Pro Tip — Total Recall

There are a few prerequisites. Your dog should know how to sit and stay before learning come.

Once you’re ready to work on recall, you’ll need to purchase a new leash. Canine Trade Group recommends using one that is 20-30 feet long. A leash of this length allows you to release your dog from sit and stay while keeping a literal handle on the situation.

When your dog has moved away from you, say come and make a subtle sweeping gesture. If your dog comes back to you, praise them. If they don’t, pull gently on the leash. Let it go slack as soon as your dog starts moving in the direction you want, and praise them. If they stop again, use the leash to guide them back again.

It’s important you don’t praise your dog while pulling on the leash. You want to praise them for making the choice to return to you.

Practice recall from the sit and stay position a few times–then switch it up. Practice this recall technique while your dog is distracted by an animal, treat, or toy.

Once your dog has gotten the hang of recall in an environment with no or minor distractions, increase the difficulty level. Take them outside (while still using the leash) and expose them to new distractions.

Soon enough, you’ll be able to trust your dog to return to you in any situation.

The Smile Section

Vet Recommendations

Preventative Vet has a valuable article that discusses positive reinforcement vs. aversive training for reliable recall. (Spoiler alert: positive reinforcement is the way to go!) It also highlights a few fun recall games and explains how come can become a “poisoned cue.”

Read the article here.

Product of the Week:

Not sure where to find a long leash to help with recall training? This 20’ lead from Amazon is just $8.97. It’s also available as a 30’ lead for $9.97. 👇

We like the flat, nylon leash with swivel bolt to prevent twisting. We also love that it comes in just about any color.

Get yours and start teaching your pup reliable recall today!

Treats

• Debunking the myth around dog breeds

• AKC publishes the most popular dog breeds of 2022

• Driving while dog 😂

Want your dog to be featured?

We’d love to!

Think your dog can make us smile? Submit a pic to [email protected] for a chance to see your pet in our Smile Section!