I used the long line a couple of times (I'm totally uncoordinated with it though) & with the help of sausages, Finlay is responding better. I can now call him away from a dog (but only just) & then he has to sit & ask & then I let him 'go play'. He seems to have got the hang of it although he's not keen on doing as he's told. A couple of days ago in the local park, I was horrified to see Fin racing off after a rottie which I presume is not dog friendly as owner & dog always keep well away from everyone ( I was distracted clearing up after my other dog). To my utter amazement, especially as he was in mid flight, when I called him he rushed back for his bit of sausage. Once I am sure that he really has got the hang of it, I will take the long line to a new exciting walk & start again with the training.

Brilliant :) I'm sure it won't take long for Finlay to realise it's well worth his while to come back to you, gotta love those breakthrough moments!

Thanks for the update and Brilliant news !!! Just keep going and you will get there, sausages, toys, play are all usefull tools to have in your armoury.
You may find that you have the odd set back, if so don't panic just go back a stage and re-inforce the training.

You could also introduce a whistle to your training, I find it very effective with my dogs as the noise carries much further than my voice would, especialy if the wind is blowing, trees rustling etc. Also their is no emotion, in the whistle it always sounds the same, so no chance they may think I have getting annoyed, worried ect.
Even though they all have a good recall, I still call them back frequently during a walk, just to continualy re-inforce the training, so they don't lapse into bad habits.

A very good and old trainer once said to me " being off lead is a privelege and not a right " if my dogs develop cloth ears, they go back on the lead and the walk is terminated. They soon learn that not responding has consequences, I say nothing, just pop the lead on and turn for home. The words have stuck with me and it has worked for me over a long number of years.
Finlay is very lucky to have an owner that is putting in the training, and it is so worthwhile as you will end up with a lovely dog who you know you can let off lead, but will also be safe. Well done !!

I had even better results today.  Fin spotted a dog coming towards us this morning & automatically came back to me & during our afternoon walk, he stopped to stare at a dog as we turned a corner & he came back when I called him. As we got round the corner I realised it was his best friend Freddie who he races round with, but he still came back. I'm very excited at the results I've achieved in a week (can you tell!) as I've struggled to train him to do anything as he is so distracted all the time. Must try & crack the 'down' now!
Thanks everyone for all your helpful comments.

Great to hear and you are welcome x

What a clever boy Fin is, I am very impressed! I used to take really tasty titbits out and didn't even shout the dogs names (Zak and Stan), I just shouted CHEESE and back they came, not when there was a best friend there to play with, I hasten to add.