Recall – How to master it !

It’s all about motivation. Teaching your dog that you are fun to be around will make recall away from other fun things like dogs, squirrels, birds, etc. much more reliable.

Remember, dogs are not robots, rather animals with a natural prey drive and chase instinct. One of the ways to make yourself more interesting is to provide a prey substitute and an outlet for your dog’s natural drive.

When you go on a walk, don’t be a passive observer whilst your dog does things he likes like sniffing, chasing birds, following scent, or going to say hello to other dogs and people. Make sure you engage with your dog in a way that is rewarding (reinforcing) to him – playing games like treat diving, find me, chase me, tug with a toy etc. The important thing is that YOU are fun to be with on the walk. Once your dog WANTS to be with you, start adding recall cues (‘Come’, hand signal, few short pips with a whistle) when there are few distraction around, so that you can be pretty sure coming to you will be the most interesting thing at that moment (because you will pay with treats AND have some fun). Lots of repetitions are necessary to proof and generalise the behaviour, gradually practicing in more and more distracting environments.

Sign up to one of Recall & Impulse Control classes if you feel you need some direct guidance – these are run in small groups over a period of 3 weeks, and take place on a large public field.

Wags at Crags loves Tug-E-Nuff toys for recall training, and dogs particularly like real sheepskin chasers. You can use WAGSATCRAGS code for 10% OFF any purchase.

Check out the range to supercharge your recall: https://tug-e-nuff.co.uk/collections/supercharged-recall?ref=WAGSATCRAGS

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We’re located in Sutton-cum-Lound (DN22) and cover Retford, Worksop, Tuxford, Ollerton, Bolsover, Gainsborough, Doncaster and surrounding areas for 1-2-1 training from your home!

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About us and our Ethos

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Our
Training Ethos

Wags at Crags training is based on the principles of positive reinforcement.

We do not condone any techniques using physical punishment or intimidation, or the use of aversive equipment such as prong or choke collars.

We believe training should be fun and enjoyable, and the relationship between you and your dog should be based on trust and not fear.

Dr Lea Lango-Scholey

About
Lea

I’m Dr Lea Lango-Scholey, I founded Wags at Crags in 2019 with a mission to provide affordable dog training and behavioural services backed by scientific evidence of force-free and reward-based techniques.

My interest in dog behaviour started as early as I can remember. As a teenager I spent many hours walking friends' dogs and helping those involved in the re-homing of street dogs. This passion lead me to study Zoology at the University of Bristol, where I was particularly attracted to their world-famous Animal Behaviour unit.

I spent 8 years in academia doing research in molecular microbiology, including a PhD scholarship in Cork (Ireland) and postdoctoral research positions in Universities of Nottingham and Leicester. Eventually, however, my passion for dogs and the arrival of my daughter lead me to look for a better work/life balance, hang up my lab coat and officially become a dog trainer and behaviourist.

Since founding Wags at Crags I have helped 100s of dogs and their owners with a range of issues and basic manners. I'm passionate about helping humans communicate with dogs in a way that both species understand, and showing how choice-based learning is the best way to achieve long-lasting results whilst maintaining a strong and trusting relationship with your pet.