Hello all again,

I am struggling to increase a success rate of recalling my 6-month old puppy when she is distracted when we are outside the apartment (specifically in the area she potties). I was just talking about plants, rocks, grass (and whatever is underneath it) without any moving objects (i.e. people, dogs, birds, etc.) Once she is out there, she puts her head down, sniffs, digs, and snacks. And, I can not quite get any of her attentions not to mention get her to follow commands. Regardless of how ridiculously high my pitch is when giving her commands, she seems (or chooses) not to listen. I have had to reel her in, then praised more than half of the time for the past couple of months. Oh…I also have to mention that she didn’t look bothered when reeled in and is still keeping her head toward the object and not looking at me. Often, she takes treats and immediately leaves to go back. Then, I try again, same result. Not come. Get reeled in. Not look at me. Take treats and goes right back to objects. Then, again I try. Same result. And, usually after the 3rd or 4th time, I stop (and admittedly sigh) and pick her up (instead of having to drag her along).

I have trained her with distractions when we are inside (with toys, treats, boxes that she loves to rip apart) and had pretty good success (she left those things to come to me when called). Also, I have trained her when SUPER treats in the same area and she’s done well and come often. But, when I do not have those super treats, she would not come. Since it's her potty spot that we have to go at least 8 times a day, I can't bring with me SUPER treats (i.e fresh salmon, raw ground beef) all the time. What should/could I do to improve my recall success rate in this situation? Is this just her puppyness that she would grow out of later on? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 Quote: Pat Khan

Also, I have trained her when SUPER treats in the same area and she’s done well and come often. But, when I do not have those super treats, she would not come. ...

How does she know?

I found that Ed's method in the Basic Obedience video works pretty well.

How she know that I have super treats (I assume that is the question) is that after I give her the first one she is then very mindful of my come command.

Expect for the leash correction part which I have learned may not be good for building relationship with a 6-month-old pup, I have followed Ed's methods on almost all aspects of dog-training (I've owned and watched all 8-week-to-8-month, BO, Pack Strcuture, and E-Collar DVDs.

Obviously, I do not do something right and try to figure out what it is.

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

 Quote: Pat Khan

Also, I have trained her when SUPER treats in the same area and she’s done well and come often. But, when I do not have those super treats, she would not come. ...

How does she know?

Is it possible you're just asking too much of a 6 month old puppy?

 Quote: Alyssa Myracle

Is it possible you're just asking too much of a 6 month old puppy?

It is more than possible. And, since this is my first pup (more like my first kid), I admit that I really do not know how much is too much. Most of knowledge and reference, I have gotten are from Ed's DVDs and tons of good messages from the board. Also, often, I'm guilty of being a bit uptight and having tendency to expect too much. My good friend's wife just got bitten by their own dog in the face and needed 15 snitches. And, I'm just afraid (maybe even paranoid) that she might turn out that way. And, it would certainly help me if I hear from qualified dog handlers (like the regulars on this board) that I expect too much or anything I should/could try.

Also, I have noticed that I'm one of the only two (the other one is my wife when she is in town on weekends) around this huge apartment complex who always wear a bait bag (of course when having the dog with me) and make obnoxiously loud and strange YES. That being said, either we take it too seriously or others take it too lightly. But, we have chosen to think it is more toward the latter.

It would probably be easier to continue to longline the dog outside the apartment. Distraction is tough for a young dog.

I'd also work on a solid down-stay, so when the dog DOES come, it can't take the treat and trot away again so quickly.

Also, if you remember to use the recall for every good thing inside (associating recall with good stuff), the dog will perk up her ears when she hears it.

Don't use it for going back in, for meds, or EVER for a correction.

(( Also, I have noticed that I'm one of the only two (the other one is my wife when she is in town on weekends) around this huge apartment complex who always wear a bait bag (of course when having the dog with me) and make obnoxiously loud and strange YES. ))


You'll see. You'll start a fashion trend.

(( My good friend's wife just got bitten by their own dog in the face and needed 15 snitches. And, I'm just afraid (maybe even paranoid) that she might turn out that way. ))



Do you have ANY reason at all for thinking this?!