Dexter

[Dogsarethebest]

Dexter is doing very well. His sit is awesome and his recall is getting here slowly. We have made a discovery (after a lot of trying different treats) he will work for slivers of turkey bacon. So the recall should improve.

 

[JoanneF]

With turkey bacon, maybe just be aware of salt content (I don't know if it is like regular bacon or not) because his little kidneys might not be mature enough to cope.

 

[Dogsarethebest]

Yeah I thought of the salt content. Check in and as long as it's not much or frequent it's ok. The kind we bought has way less salt than regular bacon. That's why we give slivers. I mean so small of piece its hard to hold on to with finger nails. Plus we give praises instead of the turkey bacon after a couple recalls. So so an inch of the bacon goes days .
I find that after a couple of slivers he rather have praises. It's just to get him started.
I do appreciate your concerns.

 

[Ari_RR]

Nice work. Finding a treat that works for recall is a trial and error, isn’t it? Some of us never find what works...

 

[Dogsarethebest]

I'm grateful I only need a couple slivers then I can use tons of chin scratches and praise.
It will make it easier if I am out and about and no treats.

 

[JudyN]

I think it's safest to assume that the best way of getting good recall is to reward with the most awesome treats ever, and plenty of them - Dexter may be less inclined to think it's worth coming back just for a fuss and praise when he hits adolescence (I never go out without two grades of treats - kibble for general reinforcement, and something high-value just in case he does something really good) - so do keep an eye out for anything else he might really love.

Having said that, my dog is highly food motivated and less so by praise, and I can stuff a whole load of sausage treats down his gob without worrying about him putting on weight!

 

[Dogsarethebest]

LoL that's awesome.
Dexter stops taking treats after a couple of times but still likes to continue what we were working on.
Yeah I have tons going through my mind about the adolescent stage. I am figuring some refreshing on things will be a big part. But by then his puppy shots will be done and outside walking will be available and so won't the treats. Everyone knows a well exercised dog is better behaved and easier to train.
Right now stealing the cats toys( we have none with cat nip) is more fun; including trying to use the scratch post. LoL . We also let him out on our outside area for a good run around a couple times a day. it's safe out there and I am right there. Love how excited he gets over a blade of grass blowing

 

[Dogsarethebest]

People think it's odd how I have such a small dog since I grew up with st Bernard's and Dobermans. They are very food oriented.
Outside Dexter does well with a squeaker toy. So we shall see what the adolescent phase brings.