My dog does recall but nowhere near as gud as i would like,its a bit hit and miss,my fault cos i didnt train properly.Anyway i want to thoroughly teach him again and try and get it perfect.My question is should i use the word i have been using "come" which he responds to sometimes or start afresh with a new word.Thanks in advance for any advice

If the word you've been using has become a trigger for your dog to ignore you, then it's probably a good idea to use a new word and retrain - you could try 'here'

If all else fails try a remote trainer. I used one with fantastic results and a very happy dog. I got mine from http://www.britishdog.net  . It get his attention back to you at the very point he decides to ignore you.

I know a behaviour counsellor who had the best idea. Put the static collar around your neck, turn the power up to maximum and push the button. If you're not willing to use it on yourself then ask how you can be willing to use it on your dog.

PLEASE ignore adydog's "advice" !!!

Sorry, but that kind of 'training device' is just an admission that you can't be bothered to put the time in to train your dog with reward methods :(

I think you should probably focus less on the word you are using and more on the consequences you are providing for the dog, if he gets it right - ie - the motivation.

Too much people obsess about commands and what is the right command for X or should I be saying Y instead of Z - you could be saying bananas for all the dogs cares - the only thing that matters is creating a very strong association between whatever word you choose and the behaviour you want. 

The best way to do this is to motivate the dog to comply.

http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/2002b/recall.htm

http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/2002/recall.htm

The clicker training is very good and much better than any punishment collar. I would never dream of using one of those on my dogs at all.

Lets put it this way, i trained my dogs using treats, praise and toys. They all have good recall. I met a middle aged lab the other day wearingone of these collars and he had the most atrocious recall i have ever seen. He followed up for miles whilst his owner was trying to call him back. Eventually he had to come and fetch him. Doesn't that say soemthing about which is the best way to train?
Anyway i agree that it is best to retrain the recall using another word, starting off with very small dsistances, like in the house and garden. You may also want to introduce a whistle as another signal if words don't have the instant effect.

A different word will not matter i say leave my husband says it in welsh and although my dogs don't understand welsh they know the sound of the voice.

I can say banana inplace of sit and they will its just the tone of my voice.