Puppyboy is seven months now and usually off-leash for part of his walks.  His recall is utterly fantastic (I say at the rIsk of jinxing it) which I attribute to having him offleash from the very beginning, and doing the hiding thing, from 8 weeks on.  Last night we got separated (wildflowers for me, the creek for him) and I heard the distinctinctive higher pitched, almost a yelp, bark that means, "WHERE ARE YOU?"

I'm so pleased he barked and didn't run off looking for me quietly.  That's the part I think is good.  When I called he came on a tear so fast I made sure to get out of his way.  He stayed really close all the way back to the car after this.  I didn't hide on purpose but now I wonder if a little more serious hiding on my part would help to really reinforce his recall and staying close to me.    We have been doing hiding games when the OH is also along to make sure nothing goes amiss and when puppyboy found me the first time he was clearly very relieved.  He hasn't barked when the OH is with us.

Am I going too far?

You're doing exactly what I do with my dogs. :) I still sometimes hide from my 8 year old! And she's so reliable I can call her away from anything, once form a rabbit inches in front of her. So I don't think you're going too far. :)

No i dont think you are taking it too far. Obviously it is a risk to seperate oneself on purpose from pup, but if it is done in a controlled environment then it is perfectly fine. But to be honest after that incident where pup barked out for you and was probably a litle scared, he will be more likely to stick nearer to you now anyway :-) :-) :-)

Definately not going to far.  I've been doing this for years with puppies and rescue dogs alike.  Mine never stray far   from me.  They go a little in front then always come back to "check up" on me.

Thanks all.  In retrospect I think my concern stemmed from my own mini panic as this is the first time I have not known exactly where he was.  I hadn't meant to hide at all.