Long Line Confusion
By Adam Katz  Visit Dogproblems.com for more dog training information.

LONG LINE CONFUSION…

Dear Adam:

I was reading the e-zine last week and think I may know why people have a mind-block about the recall exercise.  When you have the dog on the long line and call their name, if they don't come back, do you then reel them in with the correction and do what, praise them when you have them back by your side.  Won't they associate the discomfort of being reeled in with their name?  I really do think its a source of confusion.  It probably sounds stupid to you, but I've noticed a pattern.

Thanks,

- Rose.

Dear Rose:

Never “reel the dog in” with the long line.  This creates a sensation for the dog that is dissimilar to what he will feel when he’s wearing the tab.

If the dog is at the point where he “is not immediately coming back,” then you should have the long line in hand and know that he has ½ a second to respond.  If you call, “Tucker” and he does not immediately make an effort to turn and come back, then you should give a firm TUG AND RELEASE.  And then drop the line.  Do not “reel” the line in. 

When he returns, then he gets the praise. 

The tug on the leash is a motivator.  Not a correction.  Because it is directional, it makes the dog start to move in a certain direction.  And because the behavior is *** consistently followed by praise *** the dog (as an animal) is smart enough to understand the context and know that he is not being corrected. 

It’s a difficult concept to explain, but when you observe the technique and the result of the technique, you can see that the dog is very clear about what is going on.  Especially if you are his owner and he understands when you are pleased (because you praise him) and when you are displeased (because you correct him).
– Adam.

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