Dog trainer unveils the hidden trick for enhancing your pet's call-back ability - all thanks to a straightforward exercise
Training Your Dog's Recall with the "Vending Machine" Exercise
Lisa Burton, an award-winning dog trainer from Listen Dog Training, has highlighted the importance of a specific exercise in recall training for puppies. The exercise, known as the "vending machine" exercise, can help improve your dog's recall and make it more reliable.
The goal of this exercise is to form a strong association between the recall cue and a guaranteed reward. To start, choose a brand new recall cue and ensure your puppy is already engaged with you. When your puppy hears the recall cue, give it immediately followed by dropping a high-value treat on the floor between your feet.
In this exercise, the human acts as a vending machine. The "vending machine" only pays out when in very close proximity. The idea is to make your dog associate the recall cue with a guaranteed reward. As your dog understands the association, you can add more complex distractions and further distance to the training.
It's crucial that puppies understand what to do for a perfect recall right from the start - to come all the way in. Using this exercise can prevent puppies from thinking they've completed their task when they're still a foot away from the trainer in an emergency situation.
Starting recall training with distance between you and your puppy may not guarantee a 100% success rate. However, the "vending machine" exercise can help improve the reliability of your dog's recall. High-value treats like Tricky Trainers Soft & Chewy Treats (available in cheddar, liver, or salmon flavors) are suitable for this exercise due to their low-calorie content.
To make the most of this exercise, repeat it five or six times per session, and repeat sessions two or three times a day for a few days. If the puppy hears the recall cue and either decides not to respond or doesn't know how to respond, the chances of success are reduced. So, persistence and consistency are key.
In conclusion, the "vending machine" exercise is a fun and engaging way to improve your dog's recall. By reinforcing the behaviour consistently, you can help ensure your dog comes when called every time, making walks and play sessions safer and more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.
- Regardless of whether you have a pet cat or a dog, the "vending machine" exercise can be beneficial for improving pets' recall.
- Lisa Burton, from Listen Dog Training, suggests using high-value treats like Tricky Trainers Soft & Chewy Treats during the "vending machine" exercise for improved results.
- However, it's important to remember that the "home-and-garden" environment is equally essential for proper pet training, including recall training.
- Just as a well-trained dog can enhance the lifestyle of its owner, a well-trained pet cat can also provide companionship and reduce stress, making it an integral part of one's home-and-garden life.
