If you’ve been following the local discussions, the behaviour of dogs on the local beaches has become quite a talked about issue.
It’s a complicated issue, but the reality is that part of the problem is how difficult it is for regular, every day owners of dogs to train a reliable recall.
While some dogs have a naturally solid recall that requires only basic reinforcement, dogs with high energy temperaments can be harder to train.
It can be a catch 22, because where can you go to teach an off leash recall IF a dog that is NOT under effective control cannot be off leash? Teaching a reliable recall involves real life practice, but that real life practice does involve mistakes sometimes, such as your dog approaching other dogs and other people.
Puppy school is a great beginning, but it is certainly not enough to instill a reliable recall in an adolescent dog, let alone an adult. Dogs with a high prey drive are going to value chasing seagulls (and other dogs at times) over a food reward, and each time you call out ‘come’ and your dog doesn’t return? You weaken the power and reliability of the recall.
It is certainly NOT easy and it is not helped by the lack of fully enclosed off leash dog areas.
This is why I was SO happy to see Pawfect Paw’s beach recall classes!
Pawfect Paws is a collaboration between two local, qualified trainers - Sandy Paws Dog Training and Pawfect Earth.
Their combined classes hope to address this community issue by tackling it in a way that actually creates change - teaching dogs a solid recall in high distraction areas like the beach.
The dogs in the class use long leads so that some freedom can be given before the dogs are asked to come. This stops the issue of dogs hearing and ignoring ‘come’, and they stop acting as if the recall is optional. That’s what we want and need in the dog!
On top of recall practice, the class teaches practical obedience that all leads to a well behaved pooch at the beach - including stays, lead work, and getting the dogs focus.
So a big high five to the lovely ladies from Pawfect Paws and all the local dog owners putting in the effort.
Now enjoy the gorgeous dogs from tonight!
