CockersOnline Forum
Cocker Specific Discussion => Behaviour & Training => Topic started by: Londongirl on May 30, 2016, 12:29:37 PM
-
After months on the long line and lead, today we let Henry off the lead on our morning walk in the woods and fields. He hasn't roamed entirely free since he was about six months old, when his recall suddenly disappeared. Today there were three of us, not just boring old me and his recall at home and in small parks has been perfect recently, so we decided we'd test him in more challenging surroundings.
Well, he was BRILLIANT. In the woods he disappeared along the tiny side tracks and into the undergrowth, but came straight back on the whistle. He came back from following other dogs, and when we got out into the open fields he came bounding back out of the long grass. He ran ahead or alongside but never hared off into the far distance, which he was doing a lot before we started the strict training.
Now. I'm aware there was novelty for him today that might have made him stay close - he didn't seem to want to go too far from us, like he was testing himself. I'm not expecting perfection going forwards and I'll carry on with the longline when there is open ground AND other dogs, which is his recall nemesis. But I'm sitting here with a glow of satisfaction knowing he CAN do it. Seeing him bouncing up and down in the meadow, ears flapping, was just lovely.
-
:banana: :banana:
That's absolutely BRILLIANT!! WELL DONE HENRY!!!!!
It does look as if the long line training is worth the effort, we've definately noticed an improvement! Important thing now is to keep up the recall training, there will be "moments" ( ;)), Humphrey had one on the weekend, >:D - but on the whole you can register a success and I think it's enormously motivating to see you're getting somewhere and that Henry's responding, - it makes everything more relaxed when you feel you're in control. Well done you! So pleased for you! :luv:
-
Well done Henry, life is much more fun when they do as they are told.
-
They get the hang of it in the end! ;)
-
Thanks everyone! For a long it felt like he just wasn't getting it, and then it just seemed the click. I'll definitely keep up the reinforcement - I'm like a walking dog buffet, every dog we meet starts sniffing my pockets!
Bizzylizzy - Hope we are going to get some photos of Humphrey on his birthday!
-
Well done Henry!
-
Well done you and Henry.
-
Well done, Henry, keep up the good work!
-
That's great Henry well done xx :clapping:
-
That's brilliant news. Well done you and a special well done to Henry xx
-
Thanks, everyone. I come here often enough with problems or moans, I thought it would be nice to acknowledge that sometimes things go RIGHT.
-
Well Done to you and Henry! :D