Recall

The last week I've been working with Jane on her recall in the backyard off-leash. She'll just be minding her own business, sniffing out crickets or resting in the shade. I'll raise my arm up, say Jane, come! and lower my arm. The result is Jane will look up at me and enthusiastically and quickly skedaddle over to where I am and offer a pretty little sit (and a chin drool) for treats. I also am able to send her away from me by saying away now coupled with a hand gesture and she'll go off and find something to do.

Throughout the day we'll do short sessions outside as I move about the yard. She'll even come to see me and sit on her own. So I treat her and thank her for checking in. This she does more often when she sees Molly and Ben hanging out near me, so really she's making sure she's not missing out on treats, which is fine by me.

What I love about her recall is that she comes running and is very happy to come to me. This all occurs very successfully... even if, repeat... even if a neighbor appears within sight as they hang out on a deck. Thats huge for Jane! If the neighbor is quiet without accompanying noises Jane will come on call. But... If said neighbor is handling shrieking baby or yapping on the phone in their yard or on their deck, then we have a reluctant Jane. So there's work to do (always is) but we are making progress.... need to bring out the high value goods to work in the face of the bigger distractions. Enter Cuz ball and cooked chicken... oh yeah!