Beginners Recall: Primer and follow up

PRIMER

This introductory recall session lays the groundwork for a reliable and responsive recall—whether you're working with a young puppy, an adolescent with selective hearing, or an older dog in need of a refresher.

Held at the Dereham Dog Den, this structured, practical workshop focuses on establishing effective recall cues and building foundational exercises that can be practiced at home, in the garden, and eventually out in more distracting environments like the park. We'll explore the key elements of successful recall, including reward strategies and the common reasons recall can break down.

Participants will leave with a clear training plan and the tools to begin creating consistent, focused engagement. The skills introduced in this session will directly support your progress in Part 2 of the course, taking place on 26th September at Letton Hall, and in our follow-up intermediate and advanced recall workshops.

PART 2

Location: The Walled Garden, Letton Hall | Date: 26th September| Duration: 1.5 hours | Prerequisite: Completion of Recall Primer (Part 1)

This extended session takes the core concepts introduced in Part 1 and applies them in a more open, real-world setting. Held in the enclosed Walled Garden at Letton Hall, this environment offers the perfect balance of freedom and safety, allowing you to develop your dog’s recall reliability in a larger, more distracting space.

We’ll continue to explore the role of rewards—focusing on adjusting value based on environment—and introduce toy and/or food play as dynamic ways to strengthen engagement and motivation. Handlers will receive tailored guidance based on their dog’s individual response to different reward types and challenges.

Depending on individual progress, long-line and off-lead work will be incorporated, with exercises designed to safely stretch both you and your dog’s confidence and consistency.

Please bring: A long line (not a flexi lead), your dog’s favourite toys, and a variety of high-value treats—as discussed during the Primer session.