Hi,
Any tips on getting pup to return when called? I've always used titbits but maybe have overdone it. Others I've spoken to have suggested using a whistle so I would love to hear from anybody who have used this method. It seems to happen when there are other dogs around but can be very frustrating when she is being a real pest to other dog owners - she just seems to turn off the hearing aid when called and even a big juicy steak wouldn't entice her back! By the way she is only a year old this month, is there still hope?
Thanks in anticipation.

Hi there Cher, you could try a whistle, use it when you're about to feed her so she comes running to her feed bowl, but she must obey it every time. Have you tried running away from her if she ignores you, that way she may well decide that she wants to catch you up and be with you. When she does get to you make a big fuss of her and keep her attention for a few seconds before treating her. I'm not a professional trainer but have picked up lots of hints from other people and members of this board that have seemed to work for me.

She seems to be at lovely age where something else is more fun i would suggest that you 'go back to basics' where by you retrain the recall command i have found the best way is to use a long line (flexie lead or a light washing line) attach as you would with a lead in a large open field ( avoiding tree and such as you don't want to get tangled up) allow her to go off and play then at intervals call her back to you if she doesn't respond a short tug on then long line to remind her what is requested continue with this until just the recall command is needed thenwhen you let her run free attach a clip to her collar so she still has the feeling of the long line hopefully then even when she is off the lead she will return when you call her. As with all methods of training alway reward the good behavior and ignore the bad and that fact you are happy at her for returning should be enough with the use of treats or biscuits. The aim of retraining is to get the dog to forget the wrong reaction and replace the good reaction in their mind so they forget why they are doing somthing they just know that is what they should do. Good luck it may take time but it should be worth it in the long run.
regards Rach.