HOMEWORK Week 6: The sheer MAGIC of TC

Remember the Rules of TC.

1. Be casual, not 'working' when you release your dog with a "Fido, OK".  Your dog is being given the choice to get interested in other things. Loop of 6' leash is on your left thumb.
2. TC should be in your right hand and I keep it by my right ear so I can pretend I am scratching my ear when the dog looks at me.
3. When the dog is distracted (its butt to you, take a quiet step or two behind your dog), whisper "Fido, Come" and if your dog turns to you, reel it in for a SSIF, Finish (praise), Exercise Finish (praise) and release your dog again to do whatever "Fido, ok".
4. When the dog is distracted (its butt to you, take a quiet step or two behind your dog), whisper "Fido, Come" and if your dog does not come launch(about the same way you would launch a dart) the TC at the dogs butt, reel it in for a SSIF,  Finish (praise), Exercise Finish (praise) and release your dog again to do whatever.
5. NEVER let your dog see you throw the TC. NEVER. If you can see their eyes, do NOT throw the TC.
6. NEVER let your dog see you have the TC or you pick them up. If you let your dog know you have TC and you are one responsible for the 'something' that bit the dog on its butt, you lose the element of surprise and the startle effect that makes TC work for valuable.
7. It is the dogs belief that 'something' MAY happen IF the dog fails to do right (in this case come when called on command) that can save a dogs life.  So far better to be ready to use a TC and not use it because your dog looked at you so you reeled it in for a SSIF. Once, twice, at most three times using the TC should be sufficient for your dog to wise up, stay close, and Voila..always come when called.
8. NEVER chink the TC together in a pocket which flags a dog that 'something' is up. TC are to be invisible to your dog, ALWAYS.

*Important* If you, like I was, are a lousy shot, practice your TC work on a box where you dog can't see you practice. Those of you who are left handed, hold the end of the 6' leash casually in your right hand so you can throw with your left hand. It is mighty handy to have someone aelse around who can pick up your TC, BUT if you are working solo, heel your dog next to your fallen TC, step on it as you do a Halt and as you are bending down to pet your dog, casually with your right hand pick up your TC. Either that or remember where it fell, go put your dog up and come back - this never worked for me as I lost my TC.  Just DON'T let your dog see you pick it up and don't let two of the TC jingle together. I keep my TC's in my pockets.

Pree @ 6 months and her 1st experience with TC & Recall