Can I Touch You Through My Computer Screen?
I thought the title of this post sounded a bit naughty but I figured, at the very least, it would get your attention. Today I have a great surprise for everyone. If you are a newsletter subscriber, and have read my latest newsletter, you will know that I am planning on launching an e-course, likely next week.
I truly want to help people move forward with their dog training, but I have to admit, being away from home as much as I have lately, really does have its limitations, on so many levels. I can’t be everywhere at once, so I have to turn down far more teaching engagements then I accept.
That is why I wanted to give this a try.
What I have done for the last week is act as if all of you, from countries all over the world, have been sitting in my office as I presented mini courses each day to help you solve a problem or improve what you have got right now.
Can I really make a difference without you being right in front of me? For many of you that have written in over the past week, the answer apparently is “yes”.
It is not that I will never do another seminar away from home, but I can’t think of a better scenario; help a greater number of people improve their dog training skills and, at the same time, sleep in my own bed at night. To quote Zig Zigler (I love him) ““You can get everything you want in life if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”
More information on the e-course will follow next week but for now I have something special for you. I have a video clip that I am only making this available for the next week or so. This clip is 15 minutes long and it is content I am planning on using in a future DVD project . . . but you all can take a peak at it right now, as part of my commitment to this week-long-world-wide-seminar-experiment.
You have to sign in on the space provided in order to be able to watch the video. Those of you that sign in will be put on the “early bird list.” I will announce the opening of registrations to this list before any other, giving the “early bird” folk the first shot at filling the new e-course.
So click on this link and I will be there personally to tell you what to do next. Once you have watched the clip, please come back here to leave a comment, letting me know what you think!
Today I am grateful for fresh ideas.
Related posts:

Elena says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 9:06am
Great video!!!!!
I try to do it as soon as possible.
Michaele Upshur says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 9:16am
WOW, this is really good stuff here. Its amazing that the things we take for granted our dog SHOULD know.. still needs practice, practice, practice. Thanks
Tim Munro says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 9:23am
Great process, particularly the part referring to dogs that drive by and don’t give you some connection at the end. Would love some other points on building focus through this issue (me thinks this is to come in other stuff though…..)
Eric Crash says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 9:28am
We’re following everything you teach, all the way from Switzerland!
Blaze and Storm say “thanks”!
Kim says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 9:45am
I don’t have someone to hold my dog at all, so thanks for the reminder to use Crate Games as the “holder” for these restrained recall games!
Ann Potter says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 10:11am
Great way to start brilliant recalls–am going to retrain even those dogs whose recall I think is spectacular–and sign up for the e-class!
karin says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 10:44am
THANKS Susan..
Great way to train the recall..brilliant..
Karin
olga says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 11:19am
The video is great. The start isn’t that different from the methods I already used with my bearded collie Dief. The last page makes the difference!
Another point is that I not really focus on recalls any more. No wonder, on the age of almost 6 years, Dief find more and more interesting things under way, slowing down his recall. I start today with the shown method and hope to built some more teamwork in our relation.
Thanks for sharing this with us! Looking forward to your e-course, because joining one of your courses in Canada isn’t an option for us, unfortunately.
Helen says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 11:43am
Cannot see the video or find it, even though I signed up twice.
From a woman, who was blond before silver.
jem says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 11:56am
Very sensible information which I can do with my dogs, thanks for a great start on this issue
Barbara says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 11:56am
Great steps to build drive. I use restraint in my training, it can be very powerful.
Al Winder says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 12:24pm
The recall video is fantastic. Can’t wait to work on it at home tonight. I am so-o psyched.
Karen W. says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 1:09pm
Great tips for recalls on the video. I have several dogs the youngest is four…none will interact with me with toys or will tug (Poms and Shelties)the Shelties will just give it to me if I reach for it no matter how slow I break it down and the Poms won’t touch toys (all x-show dogs)….I would love to get them interested and have tried several things that you have suggested…hiding the toy, making the toy exciting, shaping…but I just can’t get the dog to pick up the toy and interact with it…you talk about teaching a dog to tug in a weekend…would it be possible to get a break down on that…my dogs are all food driven but I would really love the option to interact with a toy.
Maggie says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 1:19pm
Starting, tonight, Susan, starting tonight. I have always trained the recall in a more “tradiitonal” way. The recalls of my dogs are decent but not at blazing speed. We will start all over!!! Can’t wait to experience the outcome. Thanks so much for all your work and the excellent training tips.
Fred says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 1:52pm
Great tips and nice transitions.
Vicki says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 3:53pm
Awesome, going out right now to try this.
Philippa says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 3:57pm
I have a 4 month old Icelandic Sheepdog, not known for their great recalls, so she is definately a challenge, but I’m hoping this will do the trick…distractions are a HUGE problem..looking forward to your next info…
Cynthia says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 4:12pm
The video didn’t load right for me. It gets half way through and stops and an error message comes up.
HELP. It’s great as far as it goes.
mtrebino says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 4:28pm
Susan it has occured to me as I work recalls with my new puppy that I am actually teaching her not to struggle when restrained.. She is not high drive so I am hoping you are going to have another puppy camp after the august one.. WE NEED YOU but here is what I am finding.. I have been practicing restrained recalls I ask a freind or my husband to hold Jewel..the minute I step away she starts to struggle, she even backs up and trys to run around the person but just as quickly as she starts she stops..what I noticed yesterday was the person holding even though instructed to let her go when she is pulling will let her go when she has stopped struggling..now I know I am going to ask them to let her go even if I have only just had them take her and taken one step..maybe even if I have not had time to get the words out of my mouth..any suggestions..Margie
Barb says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 5:07pm
Hi Susan, Love this recall stuff!!! My problem is the average person trying to do this in different environments off leash. First off some can do it in their backyards if fenced, but what if not fenced? What if they have no access to an area to practise? In our town you get fined for having a dog off leash but everyone still needs a great recall for emergencies. We all know behaviours need to be practised in many different environments but how can we do that in safety?? thxs!
Pat Burroughs says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 6:03pm
That was great I did a ton of restrained recalls with my dogs when they were younger but all my dogs from the year old right up to the 13 year old can all use more recalls in thier lives
seamstjr says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 6:05pm
Loved the video and have never seen this game before. I have a question I have been working with my young Aussie on her start line and her release word is ok. When I play this game with her should I use my release word then her name or just her name? Or does it matter?
I’m very new to agility so I apologize if this seems like a silly question.
Martine says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 6:09pm
Brilliant, indeed! THIS is not only making sense to her, but she loves the game in it! We used CG for her restrained recall and OH MY, she shot out of it like a cannonball when I gave my release… really torques it up when I run. She already had a “shiny” recall, but I am striving for brilliance!!! (Improved her tugging action, too gripping with her back teeth…can you say “BONUS?”!!!) Thanks so much!!!
Sandi says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 6:16pm
Susan:
This is great stuff! I love it!
I work with some novices whose dogs who are very anxious when they are touched and restrained. I use a rope laced through the collar by the handler. Meanwhile they can work on handling.
– I also work with some handlers who are not able to run. We do shorter recalls with these folks. If they are able, the handler assumes the Apollo Ono start position and pumps their arms as if they were running (or short-track skating). Or sometimes we will also find a surrogate runner who will run with the dog to the handler/owner.
Kathy says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 6:22pm
great video just watched it before going to bed.
Your enthusiasm is infectious. Excited about putting in some practice tomorrow. Hope I can sleep!
MMR says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 7:14pm
“4. Choose a cue: either the dog’s name or “come” but not both. ”
Why not both?
Thanks!
corddogs says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 7:45pm
Is there audio on the restrained recall video? I only get the slides, no audio. Do I need a specific program to view, I have signed up.
Thanks,
Diane says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 9:03pm
Susan,
Great presentation of the RR. Your have a great voice and the video is easy to see.
Casey says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 9:34pm
Love it.
I’m not real creative and would like some ideas from everyone as to what recall words you use. Come has been poisoned in this household (unfortunately). Thx. Looking forward to the e-course.
Donna says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 10:14pm
Super Sneak Preview! Watched it twice, took notes and the games begin tomorrow!
Thanks for all your Excellent work.
Susan Mann says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 10:27pm
Of course its wonderful- but- is that your first step? I really like teaching the whiplash turn first (which I first heard about from Leslie McDevitt’s Control Unleashed program) by clicking early neck muscle movement without having any distance involved, as it seemed a finer splitting of the behavior, and I know you love to split behavior!
Pam says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 10:40pm
Outstanding. I did this with a puppy but really need to practice with the adult dog.
Renee G says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 10:50pm
Susan, I loved the recall video and will be starting with all of my dogs soon. I would love to be able to participate in the online class and was wondering if you had any idea on the cost? unfortunately I don’t have as much disposable income as I would like and really have to plan for any doggy related things. Knowing the cost ahead of time would be extremely helpful.
Your blog has really been inspiring and I have learned a whole lot already.
Thank you!
kbeard says:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 11:01pm
Susan I loved the contents of the video restrained recalls. I can’t wait to get out and get started with both of my dogs. I am looking forward to your training course. Thanks.
Charlene Schreiber says:
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 12:53am
Thank you Susan!!
this info is perfectly timed! I need a remedy for a squirrel incident.
Lynn says:
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 12:59am
Susan again fantastic information being In OZ your DVDs are fantastic resource for my training journey. My furkids Zita and Ace think you are fantastic as well as their Mum’s training tequniques have improved G
Fiona says:
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 4:03am
Thanks for the very clear steps for a perfect recall.
I do agility and obedience classes. I must say that the fun of agility has made the obedience much better.
Now what about obedience when in recall they have to come in quick and sit straight. When do I include this as one of the steps rather than the tug game? Do I just use food?
ryan says:
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 4:31am
cant wait to try this out!!! thanks for the tips.
liz says:
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 6:28am
brilliant, just what I needed to get that bit extra. Am going to up the recall training
David says:
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 11:48am
My fav quote is the same Ziggy quote. I really like how you put your thoughts together. Very easily understood, easily applied, and the energy you use helps build the enthusiasm with in me. Can’t wait to get started
Thanks
Pamela says:
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 1:50pm
Have been travelling O/S for 4 months – left the demon dogs at home with a housesitter. Think I’ll need to do lots of retraining when I return in a week. This really will help me start – many thanks.
Therese says:
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 2:11pm
You are a great teacher, very easy to follow you advice! Love the energy you are putting into making the dogworld a better place for the dog and their owners, by using positive reinforcement, joy and playfulness!!!
Mary Jo Lavin says:
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 3:20pm
Love the ideas! As my kids would say, “Epic!”. I have now assumed the “game on” position via computer.
Mary says:
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 6:35pm
Excellent, Susan. VERY clear and organized.
Llewe says:
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 8:22pm
Ms. Ellie Mae, is perfect for this recall tip. Thanks so much. Ellie Mae’s recall is needs to be faster and solid. Ellie Mae is reinforced for not coming by my mean neighbor for not coming to me. I have been working to change is problem and behavior of hers with small success. I can tell you more in greater detail if you ask me. But In short she stands out front looking in his front window until she sees him and barks for him to come out. He does and give her a reward … so when she barks I call her she puts up her paw as if to say talk to the PAW Larry la la la ! I have ask him not to do that … anyway… I am looking forward to working on this TIP…. I also have a partner or need one to help me out.
P.s away from the neighbor distraction working her and I work well together she responses well and works. in the yard She sees the neighbor most times the PAW goes up. I ‘ll let you know how I do well she does.
Carol says:
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 9:38pm
Thanks Susan. I will retrain my GSD 4 yr old girl and start the other two GSD’s, as well as using your 2 x 2 weaves.
It is brilliant that you can help even though I am in New Zealand.
Linda says:
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 10:25pm
Susan
Great video, easy to follow. Love the games and the ideas for making the chase unpredictable. Thanks for all your work on this! How easy it is to forget to continue doing the restraint recalls once our puppies grow up! I’m looking forward to greatly improving my young dog’s recall and also to get ideas for my rescue dog who came with no recall and “bolting” issues!
Andreas says:
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 11:55pm
what is your train of thought on training recall with dogs that do not have real incentive as they are so worried about the environmental / surroundings that they do not want to play, eat or even engage in pack activity? In other words : the “world” is providing such an over writing stimulus, that nothing would be more important than to worry about that?
Tina says:
Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 2:06am
BRILLIANT Susan, thanks so much for that…
… now gimmie more!!
Martine Van Campenhout says:
Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 2:57am
Verry nice video,
After the video i started the exercises.
My dog had a quick responce, so it was great !!!!!
Martine