How to catch a dog in a dog forest? Tips for a smooth recall
Are you wondering how to catch your dog in a dog forest when it’s time to go home? This concern is common, especially during the first visit to a dog forest. To ensure the visit goes as smoothly and stress-free as possible, we have compiled tips from Sari Alisaari of Eläinkoulu Välkky for a successful recall.
Choose rewards your dog enjoys
Sari Alisaari emphasizes that the most important part of teaching effective recall is selecting rewards that your dog truly appreciates. “When you have things your dog likes, they are motivated to practice,” she says. “Often the tastiest treats are soft and meaty, such as boiled unseasoned meat or so-called training sausages. You can create combinations of 2-3 different flavors to keep the rewards varied. Rewards can also be delivered in different ways: directly from hand to mouth, through a small chase, catching, or thrown on the ground.”
Not all dogs are motivated solely by treats. Alisaari reminds us that dogs have individual preferences, and it is by trying different rewards that you find out what works best for your dog. Toys can also serve as excellent rewards: “A good toy reward usually has a rope or handle, which allows for a shared chase or tug-of-war game with the dog. There are also various reward toys on the market where you can hide treats inside.”
Teach the recall cue thoroughly
It’s best to start recall training at home. Teaching the recall cue requires time and consistent practice. According to Alisaari, it’s important that the dog learns the meaning of the recall cue and understands that responding to the cue always results in something pleasant: “The surest way is to condition the dog to the recall cue. The very first exercise is to say the recall cue and immediately give a reward.”
Practice this conditioning for a few days in sets of 5 repetitions, 3-5 sets per day. When the dog starts to respond eagerly to the cue, then gradually add distance between the dog and the handler.
“The idea of conditioning is to get the recall cue to elicit the same enthusiastic reaction as words like ‘outside,’ ‘treat,’ or ‘food’ often do,” Alisaari clarifies.
Practice in gradually more challenging environments
Once basic training goes well at home, you can move to practicing recall in calm outdoor environments, such as walking paths. “Training should be done without rushing, based on success, one step at a time,” Alisaari advises. Adding distractions should be done gradually, giving the dog a chance to learn and succeed.
Alisaari emphasizes that the dog doesn’t always have to be off-leash: “A long line is a great tool for safe recall training, and you can also practice recall with a shorter leash, rewarding the dog for responding to the recall cue.” According to Alisaari, you can also occasionally incorporate catching the dog by lightly and briefly holding the collar or harness at the same time as rewarding, then releasing immediately after the rewards are given.
Keep training sessions short and fun
Training should be enjoyable for the dog, not a chore. Short, fun training sessions help keep the dog motivated. “Ensure the dog has safe opportunities to be off-leash and explore without being constantly called back. This way, the dog doesn’t feel that recalls limit their fun too much. When training is done in short bursts and the rewards are worthwhile, enthusiastic recalls are more likely,” Alisaari advises.
How to catch your dog in a dog forest when it’s time to go home
Someron Koirametsä is an ideal place to let your dog enjoy freedom while practicing important skills like recall. By allowing enough time, using the right rewards for motivation, and keeping training positive, you can ensure that the visit to the dog forest is a successful and pleasant experience for both you and your dog.
According to Alisaari, it’s good to let the dog explore the area initially and when the novelty starts to wear off, call the dog to you a few times.
“To add volume to the recall cue, the handler can run away from the dog to create a fun chase game. When the dog catches up, reward generously with praise and multiple treats or a good play session.”
“If you need to catch the dog, don’t try to grab them on the fly, but ensure the dog comes to eat the rewards either from the ground or from your hand. Once the situation is calm, approach the dog’s collar slowly. Even after leashing the dog, continue rewarding and doing the dog’s favorite tricks, so the fun doesn’t end with being caught,” Alisaari adds.
Someron Koirametsä has a double gate and a smaller area as an entrance zone. This makes catching the dog easier before leaving. You can also entice the dog to explore the entrance area a few times during the visit, as it also has many interesting scents. This way, coming to the entrance area is a pleasant experience for the dog.
Leaving for home can be a stress-free and pleasant experience if you’re prepared in advance. Using Sari Alisaari’s tips, you can make recall a fun and rewarding event, making your dog willingly come to you even when it’s time to go home. Welcome to Someron Koirametsä to enjoy freedom and learn together with your dog!
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Eläinkoulu Välkky is a company specializing in animal training, offering a variety of training services based on positive reinforcement. Sari Alisaari is an experienced and respected trainer at Eläinkoulu Välkky. She is passionate about promoting the well-being of dogs, and her approach emphasizes building a positive relationship between the dog and the owner.
