Penny, shown here with one of her humans, has trouble resisting the lure of the squirrels. (Photo provided)

The Dog Charmer by Tom Shelby

Off-leash Recall, Socialization in anEntirely New Setting Discussed

Dear Tom,

Penny is 10 months old and we are again having difficulty with recall. We worked inside and treated successfully, then progressed to outside on a 20-foot lead rope—always treating, always praising—and made good progress until the squirrels showed up with the melting of the snow. I can’t compete with the entertaining lurements of rodents. Now we seem to be in a bad rut. Should I train a new recall word instead of “come”?

Thanks.Mary

Dear Mary,I think you’re off to a good start with Penny’s recalls.Two suggestions: I like to treat on the recall, most of the times, not every time. My experience has led me to feel that Penny may be more responsive if her attitude is “maybe there’s a treat, maybe not, I better go check it out.” Extra praise when there’s no treat. As for the lead rope you mention, it should be attached to a harness, not a collar, so as to avoid a serious injury if she takes off after a squirrel and the rope gets caught on something in mid-run.