Recalls - Coming When Called
As you know, greyhounds are safest when on leash or in a fenced yard. It is foolish to believe that greyhounds with none, some, or even a lot of training can be trusted off lead. In my experience, it takes a special greyhound, overall respect for the human's authority, daily training and reinforcement, and a lifetime of ongoing practice to gain reliable off lead work. And even then, it is never 100%. For example, my greyhounds have excellent recalls and I would trust them almost anywhere. But I will not trust them in my front yard. I do not ever want to tell my neighbor that one of my dogs has killed her cat because I foolishly thought I could call them off of a cat chase. They have been bred and trained to chase anything that move and it is just too easy for them to become distracted and take off in a flash. With that being said, it is also foolish to never teach your greyhound to come when called. While leashes and fences keep your greyhound safe, a good recall can also save his life.
We have all heard the stories of close calls and tragedies when greyhounds slip their collars, are let out the front door by accident, or take off through a gate left open by the meter man. Let's face it, despite all the precautions, it is likely that your greyhound will get loose at least once his life. When the time comes, hopefully you have trained your greyhound to come when called.
Recalls or coming when called should be the most exciting thing in the world for your dog. I believe a good recall is the one thing you cannot reward too much for. Nor should you ever stop giving rewards for them. A good recall should never be taken for granted. Never call your greyhound to a punishment or to something unpleasant. Reward each recall with the intentions of winning a competition against something highly appealing one day (freedom, squirrels, etc.). The following are some easy exercises you can do to practice recalls.
Exercise 1
Take a pocketful of yummy treats while on your regular leashed walks. When your greyhound is not paying much attention to you, say in an excited tone of voice "(greyhounds name)_________ Come!" and take a few quick steps backward. Hopefully, stepping backwards will encourage him to chase back to you, if not just reel him to you and reward him. Avoid jerking on the leash. Instead you are trying to play on his natural desire to chase which is why I suggest you running backwards a few steps. Reward profusely with treats and praise and take a hold of your dog's collar. Despite being on a leash, it is a good habit for your greyhound to know you will take a hold of his collar while being rewarded. Part of a good recall is being able to catch them when you call. Then continue on your walk and practice again.
*** Be aware of your tone of voice. It should not be high pitched, but it shouldn't be stern. Somewhere in between is good. Use a reasonable volume, but there is no need to shout. In regards to praise, do not praise by patting the greyhound on top of the head. Dogs do not like this. Other dogs may only be interested in the food and try to avoid your affectionate praising. If this sounds like your dog, just use the food.
Exercise 2
Practice exercise 1 (on leash) with stronger distractions. For example, before you approach a group of greyhounds at a gathering, call your greyhound away from them, reward him as usual and then reward him further by letting him mingle with his friends. If he does not respond, use your leash to reel him in and reward him. Show him that recalls do not end the fun. In fact, show him that recalls mean you get a treat and then you get to hand out with your friends - the best of both worlds. Call your greyhound from a new toy that is just out of his reach, reward him as usual, and then reward him further by letting him have the toy. Do the same with special treats or meals. Condition your greyhound into thinking he needs to come when called to get what he wants. Remember to keep your greyhound on a leash for these exercises. It does no good for your greyhound to ignore you and then proceed to reward himself by playing with a new toy or eating a special treat. These are difficult things to move away from, but this increases reliability. Again, the leash allows you to reel him in if necessary. Remember to always reward.
Exercise 3
Practice exercises 1 and 2 on a longer leash (10 - 15 feet). Allow your greyhound to get further from you, so you can call him to you from a longer distance and with less tension on the leash.
NOTE: Please be careful that your greyhound is not wrapping the leash around a leg, you, or anything else. Take up enough slack that the long line does not drag and always check that your greyhound is free and clear of wrapping the leash around anything before you call. And if your greyhound is likely to bolt at the sight of something moving, please keep your long line relatively short and be prepared.
Exercise 4
Practice recalls off lead in a fenced yard. Each time you come home with a special treat or a new toy, keep it unknown to your greyhound. When your greyhound least expects it, call him and surprise him with the extra special treat. If your greyhound fails to respond to your call and is ignoring you, storm after him after him. Ignoring your call is unacceptable and you should let that be know. It is all right for him to know you are unhappy. Once your greyhound notices that you are storming after him, he should offer a submissive posture of head lowered and he might be trying to slink off. As soon as that happens, immediately start backing up and call again. Your dog is looking for away out of his situation and giving him something positive is exactly what he is looking for. Reward him as if it was the best recall in the world. If you greyhound does not react to you as you storm after him and continues to ignore you, most likely your greyhound does not take you seriously and does not see you as someone in charge. If this sounds like your situation, you may need more formal advice.
Exercise 5
This exercise is not only good exercise for your greyhound, but is also a fun game. It requires 2 people with pockets full of treats and a fenced yard. Start with each person standing about 5 feet apart. The first person calls the greyhound and rewards. The second person calls the greyhound and rewards. Both people take a step or 2 back. Repeat the recall to each person. Again, both people take a step back. Gradually the distance between the 2 people increases so the greyhound gets some good practice recalling from the greatest distance the fence will allow and to different voices.
The purpose of these exercises are to prepare you and your greyhound for the rare occasional he is accidentally on the loose. If you have done your homework and you have taught your greyhound that coming when called results in something great, you may one day save his life. Trust me, it has happened. However, these exercises are by no means the only thing it takes to truly train your greyhound to be off leash. Off leash work takes a special greyhound, daily training and reinforcement, and a lifetime of ongoing practice to gain reliable (but never 100%). In fact, allowing your greyhound off leash can be the quickest way you ruin all of your hard work. Save your recalls for an emergency.
Most importantly, never take your recalls for granted. Always reward your greyhound.
Happy training!