08/11/2025
We’re having a training hiccup with Sky at the moment.
I work, work, work on recall with the huskies. They are not the easiest dogs to own, and they’re never off lead unless we’re in a secure area (they’re exercised in a secure area 3-4 times a week, and they have daytime access to a large garden, so they’re not missing out). Nevertheless, good recall is vital for their safety, in case our management fails.
Over the summer we worked hard, with positive reinforcement of course. I could get running recalls from all 3 dogs over any distance, separately or together. It’s not easy. We’re fighting the genetics of independent spirits; huskies being used to pull sleds in winter were turned loose in summer to fend for themselves. As well as genes that favour running, pulling, assessing the environment and taking independent action to keep the team safe, most huskies have very strong prey drive. So It’s hard work to get reliable recall, but it absolutely can be done.
Then I made a mistake. I stopped working on it. I do always reward the dogs for getting back in my van at the end of a session - otherwise why would they want to end their fun? But I didn’t practice and reward enough in between.
The boys are still rock solid. But Sky decided it’s more rewarding to look at me when I call her, and trot off round the field on important husky business. My bad, I messed up. So what am I doing about it?
First is preventing rehearsal. If she gets to practice not coming to her recall word, it will lose all its value. So she’s back to dragging a 5m biothane long line, clipped to her harness. Just wearing it makes her aware she can be caught more easily, but I can step on it if needed (she has a warning word - gentle - that I use first, so it doesn’t jerk her unexpectedly).
Second is practising: at home, in the house and out, while on or off lead, with high value rewards. Sky is particularly motivated to get to the rewards before the boys, which works in my favour.
We’ll get her recall back, and once we do we’ll take the long line off again. Have I learned my lesson? Hopefully. Only time will tell.
Kate and Dee provide dog training, walking and pet sitting in the Nottingham area. Message us, or email [email protected] to get started.
