SCHIPPERKE TRAINING: THE PUPPY RECALL
by Shirley Quillen DVM

The first thing that any puppy, and especially a schip puppy, must learn is to come. All puppies should be taught to "come here" whether the they will be strictly a companion or used in some form of competition. Since it is much easier to teach a puppy to come than an older dog that has already learned to run when loose breeders should start this training as soon as the puppies are eating . Every time the puppies are fed, they are called with 'puppies come here' (emphasis on the here especially for dogs who will be taught a formal recall to the word come). They learn very quickly to respond to this call.

As soon as the puppies are 6 weeks old they should be taught this command individually. Each is taken off by itself and introduced to the treat to be used. Small pieces of cheese are very good for this and do not upset the digestive track of most puppies. First, while in the handler's lap on the floor, the phrase 'puppy come here' is enthusiastically said and the puppy petted and given a treat. After repeating this several times set the puppy a few inches away and call it. The puppy must get close to the handler, hopefully with at least its front feet up on the handler and allow petting while it gets a treat. The handler must use both hands - one offering the treat and the other petting the puppy. Slowly increase the distance between the handler and puppy then add a second person. The response to the "c'me HERE" should become almost reflexive response. At this stage puppies must accept petting as well as do the come. They must not be allowed to just grab the treat and run to the second person. If they do this the first person should call the puppy back. The second person does not give a treat to the puppy unless he\she has called it. When the puppy will quickly respond to the calling game with sitting people and kneeling people, the caller can stand up while calling, but immediately bend or squat as the puppy approaches. Next the handler should stand and let the puppy look for something else to do. Since a puppy's attention span is very very short, this will usually only take a few seconds. The puppy is then called when it is first distracted. With this training puppies can be sent to their new homes knowing one good habit. New owners should be instructed on how to reinforce this "c'me HERE" game. When done properly it does not interfere with obedience recalls or with teaching the conformation dog to bait while standing still. To be sure of this, start the puppy doing either stands or sits for food by eight weeks.