Quote: connie sutherland

I want my dogs to fly to me (delighted!) when they hear me call.

Still makes me weep with pride!

The benefit of having spent over 11 years together is the ability to know well before getting blown off that you are going to be blown off. Bob's comment about if there is a possibility don't let them off lead is my rule of thumb.

Thor has a wonderful recall immediate, fast and exhuberant. It took a long time but I can call him off in the chasing phase of his prey 99 out of 100 times. And he lets me know that 1 time each and every time. He is not with me to begin with...slow to respond to his name with his head buried in the grass sniffing, or distracted when leaving the house or focused on the sounds and smells of outside and not me....he does not get off lead on those days.

They are few and far between and I don't think they have as much to do with a training problem as an "off" day; with that being said I practice and reinforce his recall on a regular basis.

I'm curious Barbara, did Falcon give you any other indications that he wasn't with you that day? Or am I weirdo and the only one who knows when it is going to happen (thus it doesn't because he's not given a chance) based on his over all in- attention?