THIS Is How To Get a PERFECT Recall With Your Dog

Summary

In this video, Matt Covey from Suburban K9 works with Sully, a French Bulldog, on off-leash training using the 'come' command. Matt addresses misconceptions about training certain dog breeds off-leash and explains his balanced training approach, which includes both rewards and corrections. He demonstrates how to reinforce good behavior while ensuring Sully understands the commands without relying on treats. Matt highlights the importance of gradually increasing distractions and scenarios to proof the training, showing viewers how to handle both successes and challenges during the process.

Takeaways

• 🐕 French bulldogs, like Sully, can be trained to follow the 'come' command off-leash, debunking the myth that some breeds cannot be trained this way.
• 🐾 It's important not to buy into breed stereotypes, such as that French bulldogs are too stubborn or that beagles can't be trained due to their strong sense of smell.
• 🔄 Balanced training involves using all aspects of operant conditioning: rewards (praise, treats) and corrections when necessary.
• 🎯 When teaching 'come,' praise should start as soon as the dog looks at the owner and continue throughout the process until the dog sits.
• ❌ If the dog doesn’t respond, immediate corrections are made by marking the behavior with a 'no,' going to the dog, and giving a physical correction with a tug on the leash.
• 👍 Sully’s behavior improves over the session, demonstrating that consistency in corrections and praise leads to better off-leash command adherence.
• 🍬 Treats are useful in early training stages but must be phased out to avoid dependency. Praise and corrections should become more meaningful.
• 🐶 Dogs learn in sequences or 'chains of behaviors,' understanding the entire process of a command like 'come' as a combination of actions, not just individual steps.
• 🌳 Training should progressively increase in difficulty. Success in controlled environments leads to practicing in more challenging locations with distractions.
• 🙌 Dogs can be trained to listen off-leash, even around distractions, but it's crucial to avoid expecting perfection too early in training.

Q & A

Why is Sully chosen for this training video?

Sully was chosen because he is new to the training process. He understands the 'come' command but hasn't mastered it off-leash.

What is the common misconception about training certain dog breeds off-leash?

The misconception is that certain breeds, like French bulldogs, beagles, or huskies, can't be trained off-leash due to traits like stubbornness, strong sense of smell, or being bred to pull.

What are the key elements of a balanced training approach according to Matt?

A balanced training approach uses all aspects of operant conditioning, which includes rewarding appropriate behavior (using treats or praise) and giving corrections when necessary.

How does Matt use praise during the training process?

Matt praises Sully as soon as he looks at him after being called, marks it with 'yes,' and continues praising him all the way in until he sits.

How does Matt respond when Sully does not sit on command?

When Sully doesn't sit, Matt nudges him into the sit position and provides less praise for that attempt.

What is Sully learning through the training process?

Sully is learning a chain of behaviors, which includes looking at Matt, running towards him, and sitting upon reaching him. Each step is part of the command 'come.'

What is Matt's correction method if Sully doesn’t come when called?

If Sully doesn't come, Matt marks it immediately with 'no,' goes to him, grabs the line close to the collar, and gives three tugs while repeating 'come' and finally 'sit.'

Why doesn't Matt use treats during this training session?

Sully was originally trained with treats, but Matt phased them out because Sully learned to only come if a treat was present. Matt wants Sully to listen without needing a treat every time.

How does Matt handle situations where Sully gets distracted during training?

If Sully gets distracted, Matt marks the behavior with 'no,' goes to him, and provides a correction. He does not beg or call multiple times as he wants Sully to respond immediately.

What is the 'proofing phase' of training?

The proofing phase is when a dog understands the commands, but the trainer needs to practice them in different environments with increasing levels of distraction to ensure consistency.

What should be done if the dog fails multiple times during training?

If the dog fails multiple times, Matt suggests making the task easier to ensure some success before re-entering the more challenging situation.

Why is it important to avoid rushing from an easy training environment to a challenging one?

Rushing from an easy environment to a challenging one can lead to failure. Training should be broken into manageable steps to build up the dog's skills and confidence gradually.