Lots my recall for 7 month old?

Hi, I have 7 month old jack russell puppy. Up until about 2 weeks ago he was doing really well with his recall. We are clicker training and he has passed puppy class and has moved onto bronze. In class he is fab at recall eveytime. He was also doing really well on walks and 9/10 came on first call. Suddenly he has stop coming back be it on a walk off lead or if we are letting him out in the garden. I will ask trainer in next class but wondered if you guys had and advice.

Thanks in advance Lottie.

Hi Lottie,

This is called adolescence!

They are growing up and in teenager mode. The environment around around them is far more interesting right now than you! Sad but true I'm afraid!

One minute the perfect dog and knows every command, the next they wont even respond to their own name!

If you are concerned about recall, buy a 10 meter lead (not the extendable ones) and when he starts to run off, you call him and doesnt respond, tug the lead gently, keep calling him and giving his recall command and each time he tries to bomb off another gentle tug, and keep reeling him in until he gets to you. And the last few meters he does by himself give him tones of praise.

Unfortunately his recall will be hit and miss until he is around 18 months to 2 years old, so you are just going to have to keep reinforcing what you are doing and be consistent.

Mine was exactly the same, did puppy class, did bronze, silver and gold and was brilliant in his class, but out and about off lead he always stayed in my sights but he wouldnt come back for toffee!

Keep doing what you're doing and this lovely long drawn out phase wont last forever!

Welcome to teenage mode! I can assure you it will test you to your limits!!

Brace yourself! lol

Sophie xx