Training to walk loose lead and recall advice

[Londongirl]

Yay! It might take some time but it is SO worth seeing it through. Our walks are so much fun these days, with Henry running in and out of the woods and chasing birds across the meadow and ALWAYS coming back, something I never thought would happen. Do check in for pompom waving when you need it.

[Briggo09]

Currently on my second day of associating the whistle with great things. Charlie already goes nuts when sitting in front of me and I blow it before giving him his chicken... I'm so desperate to get it all right, his walks are becoming a bit stressful because all he wants to do is run free and in quite a few situations I just can't trust him. Loooong few months ahead.

[Murphys Law]

It will get to the point where your cocker will watch you out of the corner of his eye. As soon as he sees the whistle go anywhere near your lips he will charge back to you. They are not daft, these little hairballs.

[bizzylizzy]

Currently on my second day of associating the whistle with great things. Charlie already goes nuts when sitting in front of me and I blow it before giving him his chicken... I'm so desperate to get it all right, his walks are becoming a bit stressful because all he wants to do is run free and in quite a few situations I just can't trust him. Loooong few months ahead.

All the advice has been great so far, so have nothing to add there just one bit of advice - try not to to fall into the same trap  that I did in the effort to "do it all right". It took me a while to learn that its a long process and the more relaxed you are,the eaiser it becomes. Playing and running around (getting into mischief) is as important as learning all the obedience training. Its taken me the best part of 10 months to finally realize that the calmer I am, and the more relaxed my body language is, the better Humphrey responds. Its not always easy and my mood isn't always the same, but if I'm stressed, I don't even attempt any training now and leave it for another day.  And don't worry about what people think what your dog should be able to do and when - they all learn at different paces and there are things that some dogs just never get the hang of, the best solution is learning to manage them....

[Londongirl]

Currently on my second day of associating the whistle with great things. Charlie already goes nuts when sitting in front of me and I blow it before giving him his chicken... I'm so desperate to get it all right, his walks are becoming a bit stressful because all he wants to do is run free and in quite a few situations I just can't trust him. Loooong few months ahead.

That's exactly where we were at, I was really stressed letting Henry off the lead because I didn't trust him not to get into trouble. Once I'd started the training I really relaxed because I knew I was doing something about it!

[Londongirl]

It will get to the point where your cocker will watch you out of the corner of his eye. As soon as he sees the whistle go anywhere near your lips he will charge back to you. They are not daft, these little hairballs.

Absolutely true! I hardly get the chance to blow it sometimes.

[Briggo09]

Just thought I'd update you guys on my situation since my last post on here.... I have a really solid basic recall with Charlie- around the house and now ventured outside into the garden- I've really been taking my time with the first few chapters of total recall to make the whistle seem like the best thing in the world and it really seems to be working so far, he can't get to me quick enough- regardless of the level of treat (or no treat) I've given him on his last few recalls. Seems the gambling affect really does work well. He still ignores my old recall which he forgot as soon as he hit about 5 months but this new shiny one I'm nurturing carefully  . I know the hard work of proofing with humans and especially dogs is going to be an even longer slog, but the brilliant response I've received from him so far really gives me the confidence that done correctly I can make it work. Thanks for all the early advice to get me to do it guys!

[bizzylizzy]

Fantastic!! So pleased its all going well, its so rewarding when you see results and is the best motivation for keeping at it.
Be prepared for a bit of a backslide as he gets into puberty, its quite normal and they all go through phases where you wonder why you bother  , but it IS only a phase and if the ground work's solid, they soon get back on track again !!
Well done! Keep us posted!!