How to Train Your Dog to Come Using a Long Lead

Hello Rebecca, I suggest enrolling in an intermediate obedience class. A basic obedience class and most initial training information, teaches a dog what a command means, and works up to the dog performing that command in calm locations. The purpose of an intermediate class is for pup to work on those same commands but build up to higher distractions and phase out food rewards, so that pup is reliable with training even when there isn't a treat present. Long leashes, drag leashes, practicing a lot around gradually harder locations, and making rewards more intermittent can all be useful when working on obeying around distractions, and you being able to enforce a command calmly. For example, if your dog isn't coming, clip on a long leash and practice the Reel In method until your dog comes willingly five times in a row, every time they don't respond to come in your yard or home. Also, proactively practice Come on the long leash at places like parks, so that pup learns to come around distractions - being rewarded if they come willingly and calmly and quickly reeled in with the leash if they do not. Reel In method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-whippet-to-recall Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Hello Lucy, Check out the video linked below. Pay attention to not only the jumping they work on but also the other things they practice that help pup with impulse control and respect as well. Recruit friends to be guests or 'strangers' you meet on walks, and practice with friends. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcwvUOf5oOg Start with the above, it is likely to work if you practice a lot with people (you will have to intentionally set up practices with friends regularly). If he continues to do it or learns not to do it while on a leash but does it while off-leash, you can move onto remote collar training and use a stimulation based collar (not citronella and not noise). This should be done on his "working level" which is the lowest level he indicates he can feel, with a high quality collar - such as e-collar technologies, garmin, dogtra, or sportdog, and combined with positive reinforcement and clear directions so that pup understands why he is being corrected and how to avoid it. Don't simply put the collar on and start pushing buttons. I suggest finding a good private "balanced" trainer (meaning they use corrections AND positive reinforcement), who is very experienced with e-collar use and comes well recommended by their previous clients, to help you if you end up needing to go this route. Check out James Penrith from Take the Lead Dog Training and Jeff Gellman from SolidK9Training for how to videos about stimulation based e-collars to learn more about their use. Both trainers have youtube channels with how to videos. On their channels, search things like e-collar working level, e-collar fitting, e-collar and timing, and how to train with e-collar. The put in the time and work to train without an e-collar first though, because either way that foundation needs to be laid. There aren't shortcuts in dog training. Even good e-collar training takes a lot of time and work. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Hello! Yes that is one of the best ways to teach recall. Some dogs get so confused (as you have experienced) because we call them for so many things. So yes, get a long lead. Call him to you, pull him in and then have him sit, reward with a treat. Practice this in many different settings so he will perform it despite what. is going on around him.

Hello Fiona, Check out the article I have linked below and the Premack Principle section and section on using a long leash for training around distractions. https://www.petful.com/behaviors/train-dog-to-come-when-called/ Also, check out this trainer's youtube channel. He often deals with off leash training dogs who have a high prey drive, like dogs who livestock chase and live in rural areas. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoxuNKpmUs390K7x_rvgjcg Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden