Mastering Reliable Recall For Your Finnish Lapphund
Finnish Lapphunds are renowned for their intelligence, highly affectionate nature, and strong work ethic. This article provides an expert guide for experienced owners into effective techniques to enhance your Finnish Lapphund’s recall, ensuring they come running back to you with enthusiasm every time!
Understanding the Finnish Lapphund Mindset
Before diving into training techniques, it’s essential to appreciate the Finnish Lapphund’s temperament. These dogs were bred to herd reindeer across a vast tundra, giving them a high prey drive and a love for exploration. They are not only intelligent but also curious, which can sometimes lead to distractions in the great outdoors. Your approach to recall training should align with their natural instincts while providing ample motivation for them to return to you.
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Setting Up for Success: Safety FirstBefore you embark on recall training, ensure your lapphund is in a safe environment. Ideally, start in a securely fenced area or a quiet park where distractions are minimal. As they progress, you can gradually introduce more challenging settings by building on the 4 D’s (distance, duration, difficulty and distraction). Remember, safety is paramount, especially when dealing with a breed that may be prone to following their nose.
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Use High Value Rewards
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Your Lapphund is likely to respond best to high-value rewards – treats they can’t resist. Consider using small pieces of cooked chicken, cheese, or a favorite toy. The key is to ensure that your rewards are significantly more enticing than whatever distraction might be nearby.
Tips:
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Consistent Commands & Signals
Establish a clear recall command that is distinct from other commands. Use a phrase like “Come” or “Here,” as your bridge word and pair it with a unique whistle or hand signal. Consistency is key; use the same command every time and ensure everyone in your household does the same.
Reinforcement
Always reinforce your command with enthusiasm. When your dog comes to you, make it a celebration! Use excited voice tones, and the high-value jackpot treats you’ve set aside. This positive reinforcement builds a strong connection between the command and the reward.
Reinforcement
Always reinforce your command with enthusiasm. When your dog comes to you, make it a celebration! Use excited voice tones, and the high-value jackpot treats you’ve set aside. This positive reinforcement builds a strong connection between the command and the reward.
The 'Jackpot Treat'
This is the Secret to a Brilliant Recall!
If your Finnish Lapphund gets one or two treats for their training (sitting, down, tricks) we want Recall to have ‘Jackpot Status’ in their mind. Everytime you use the bridge word ‘Come’ give them an entire handful of high value tasty treats!! Watch their response - suddenly the word takes on ultimate jackpot status and they’ll be running to you every time!
After a successful recall, let your lappy return to what they were doing. This is vital! Too often people call their lappies & immediately put on the leash to leave the park etc. Guess what they learn? “When I respond to ‘Come’ all my fun stops” – it has a significant impact on reducing recall. Instead, teach them 'Come' is only about receiving an amazing Jackpot!
We want an entire handful of ‘Jackpot treats’ every time you say the word ‘Come’ for the first 12 months of your lovely lappy’s life. Remember, consistency is crucial and this isn’t the skill to be meagre about.
If your Finnish Lapphund gets one or two treats for their training (sitting, down, tricks) we want Recall to have ‘Jackpot Status’ in their mind. Everytime you use the bridge word ‘Come’ give them an entire handful of high value tasty treats!! Watch their response - suddenly the word takes on ultimate jackpot status and they’ll be running to you every time!
After a successful recall, let your lappy return to what they were doing. This is vital! Too often people call their lappies & immediately put on the leash to leave the park etc. Guess what they learn? “When I respond to ‘Come’ all my fun stops” – it has a significant impact on reducing recall. Instead, teach them 'Come' is only about receiving an amazing Jackpot!
We want an entire handful of ‘Jackpot treats’ every time you say the word ‘Come’ for the first 12 months of your lovely lappy’s life. Remember, consistency is crucial and this isn’t the skill to be meagre about.
Jackpot Treat Tips:
JACKPOT TREATS ARE A GOLDEN RULEA jackpot is at least 10 high value treats every single time. This has to be amazing! Remember you're competing with birds, fascinating scents and their best friend who must play with them! CONTINUE FOR 12 MONTHSBe consistent & remember adolescence isn't the time to start pulling back on jackpot treats or saving on quantity. |
SET THEM UP FOR SUCCESSOnly say the word ‘Come’ when you know your lappy will return to you, and don't devalue the word. LET THEM LOOSELet them go directly back to what they were doing after they received their Jackpot and never put the leash on or stop the fun activity once you recall your lappy. |
Build a Strong Foundation with Recall Games
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Turning recall training into a game is an excellent way to develop enthusiasm. Here are some engaging games you can implement:
The "Hide and Seek" Game
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Gradual Exposure to Distractions
As your Finnish Lapphund becomes more reliable in a controlled environment, gradually introduce distractions. This could mean training in a busier park or around other dogs. Begin at a distance where your dog can still focus on you, and slowly increase that distance as they learn & improve.
Tips for Success:
Tips for Success:
- Use a long line to maintain some control while allowing the sense of freedom.
- Be patient; the goal is to reinforce good behaviour even amidst distractions.
Practice
To ensure your Finnish Lapphund’s recall is reliable in all situations, practice in various locations and environments. From the backyard to the local park, or at a dog-friendly beach, exposing your dog to different environments helps reinforce their recall skills. Each new setting offers unique distractions, making this practice crucial for reinforcing their training. Be mindful of their capacity and only increase distractions if they're up to the task - always set you lappy up for success.
Recall training isn't an occasional event but rather part of your Finnish Lapphund’s everyday life. Incorporate recall into your daily routines, whether it’s during walks, playtime, or training sessions. The more consistent & positive you are, the stronger their recall will become.
Recall training isn't an occasional event but rather part of your Finnish Lapphund’s everyday life. Incorporate recall into your daily routines, whether it’s during walks, playtime, or training sessions. The more consistent & positive you are, the stronger their recall will become.
MAKE IT A LIFESTYLE
Conclusion
Training an excellent recall in your Finnish Lapphund is an ongoing journey that requires consistency, patience and a lot of love. By understanding their instincts, utilising high-value rewards, and turning training into an enjoyable game, you’ll cultivate a strong bond and ensure your lappy always comes back to you – no matter how tempting the distractions might be.
With dedication you’ll not only teach your Finnish Lapphund this crucial skill but also deepen your bond, safely allowing for more adventures together. So, grab those treats, head outside, and start building a brilliant recall!
With dedication you’ll not only teach your Finnish Lapphund this crucial skill but also deepen your bond, safely allowing for more adventures together. So, grab those treats, head outside, and start building a brilliant recall!
