Success with recall and focus

[Chris Smith]

I posted a couple of months ago about Nalu's "slips" with recall. Both incidences were related to his prey drive. I have continued to work with him to strengthen both his recall and his ability to focus on me using only +R.

Nalu has been showing small signs of improvement with his focus on me - especially on his daily leash walks. Now when we see cats and squirrels, he doesn't lunge and throw himself into the air, he actually seems to hear me and although he won't break his stare on the cat or squirrel, he will just get excited and curious but will actually move on with me and continue his walk.

Last night, he was off leash at the dog park when two horses rode right through the dog field. Nalu started to run towards them, but I whistled for him and he immediately stopped and came running back over to me. Of course, he was greatly praised and had the tennis ball thrown for him many more times as his reward. Sometimes I think Nalu would choose a tennis ball over a piece of steak so we have been using that to refocus his attention back on me and to help control his prey drive.

Thanks again for the advice and tips on this. We will continue our work, but I'm getting the idea that I need to be more fun and interesting than the horse or squirrel and maybe he's starting to believe it!

[Summer Magic]

Great job Chris, good going Nalu! Isn't it wonderful when there is a breakthrough! You've worked so hard with him. Now you have your own reward! Be proud of your accomplishment.

[Melissa Brunoehler]

Awesome!!! I knew you two could do it! Keep up the good work.

I posted a couple of months ago about Nalu's "slips" with recall. Both incidences were related to his prey drive. I have continued to work with him to strengthen both his recall and his ability to focus on me using only +R.

Nalu has been showing small signs of improvement with his focus on me - especially on his daily leash walks. Now when we see cats and squirrels, he doesn't lunge and throw himself into the air, he actually seems to hear me and although he won't break his stare on the cat or squirrel, he will just get excited and curious but will actually move on with me and continue his walk.

Last night, he was off leash at the dog park when two horses rode right through the dog field. Nalu started to run towards them, but I whistled for him and he immediately stopped and came running back over to me. Of course, he was greatly praised and had the tennis ball thrown for him many more times as his reward. Sometimes I think Nalu would choose a tennis ball over a piece of steak so we have been using that to refocus his attention back on me and to help control his prey drive.

Thanks again for the advice and tips on this. We will continue our work, but I'm getting the idea that I need to be more fun and interesting than the horse or squirrel and maybe he's starting to believe it!

[Stefie C]

Congratulation Nalu & Chris!!! It is such a great feeling when you 've worked so hard you dog finally gets it!

[Jill Ramsey]

Great job~both of you. Give Nalu a cookie/extra throw from me!!