I'd like to ask contributors to the board what techniques they use for teaching their dogs to RECALL and what are their personal reasons for using this specific technique (this may be because you physically struggle with another, or it has implications for future training - ie obedience work requiring a high level of accuracy).

Admin: we would like to keep this thread as your techniques and NOT for debate. If you would like to debate ANY issue raised in this thread, please start another thread headed Recall - Debate 

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Now that the "reply" box has appeared!!:p....

I have always started the "recall" training as soon as I can - with a home-bred pup, from about 4 weeks, or with a "bought-in" pup, about 3 hours after we get home (having allowed time for some exploration, food and a nap)! I crouch down low, and call "Puppy come, come, come" in a high, happy voice, and puppy invariably comes running. I call the puppy to come every time I feed it (lots of meals = lots of training opportunities). I only call when there's a high chance that the pup will come - each ignored summons teaches a pup that coming when called doesn't matter.

By the time the pup's injections have taken effect and he can go out, the basics of recall are well established, and only need practice in all the other possible situations.

I do the same as above, and I also take any chance when the pup is running to me anyway to say "come". We also play a game where myself and another person take turns calling Jay to us and then making a massive fuss of him when he gets to either of us.

bump

I forgot to add that I never call the pup to me for a scolding - all that will teach him is that "come here" means a scolding, and no dog with any sense will recall if he thinks he's in trouble!

go from longer and longer leashes and thinner and thinner leashes.small tug if they ignore you lots of praise and treats when they return never scold.

We use a whistle for recall and use it everytime we want them to come back, each time they come they are rewarded. This works most times whether in the garden or off lead.

The crouching down with arms open and a happy playful voice usually gets them coming in for a treat or a fuss. I always alternate my rewards so that they are never sure what the end result is and it keeps their interest sharp!
If that doesn't always work - some dogs and pups are darn nosy parkers! - pretend to find something really interesting on the ground and study it intensely, poke about at it with your fingers. Curiosity usually wins out :D and when they start coming over to see what you've found then use your recall command and reward them with a big game!
To train for a fast recall enlist the assistance of someone else. Get them to hold the dog and then run away calling the dogs name even showing it a toy or treat reward to wind it up further. Let it get really excited and then let it go to chase after you. When the dog is released use the recall command that you have chosen. When he or she catches up with you give loads of praise and reward! This exercise will familiarise the dog with the response to the command!
Lara x

If when you call them, you crouch down and turn away, this also gets their attention-all my dogs are really nosy and hate to think that they might be missing out on something so they always recall double quick.

ive always found the best way to get puppys back it to walk of and ignor them. because dogs are pack animals the dont like beening left alone walk off and dont calll them cos if u do thell be reasure that you cant be far away. but if u just walk of or even hide! the only time my lab puppy dosnt respond to this is if she sees enoghter family she make friends wid them but they will look for you. my best tip is to carrie on walking till you really cant see them for like 10 mins
please reply and tell me how u get on