I have 2 Miniature Schnauzers, a 3 year old bitch (spayed) and an entire 18 year old male.

My problem is that when I let them off the lead, Leo occaissionally won't come back. 90% of the time he shoots back in the hope of a treat (which he sometimes gets) but every so often he stops about 10 feet away as if he is daring me to catch him. No amount of bribery/food will get him to come close until he's ready then he trots up, sits and lets me put his lead on!

I have used an extending dog lead and also a rope attached to his collar, which both work but I don't want to use these permanently if it can be helped.

I know Schauzers are notorious for being stubborn, but any help would be appreciated.

I wonder if he's discovered how to pull your strings?  I think if he was mine and he didn't come close enough, I'd walk off an ignore him.  Then make sure when he *did* come he got a jackpot reward - far more than he could have imagined in his wildest dreams ;)  Make the reward interesting enough, and they will come ;)  At 18 months he's still adolescent and it would be unrealistic to expect him not to test you, the trick is to stay one step ahead and be unpredictable - make sure your body language doesnt' give you away ;)

I have tried walking off, hiding behind trees,etc but if he is in one of his moods he is not interested.,

I have even given my other dog treats to entice him back and gone to the far end of the field with her - but if Leo is determined he does not want caught he just stands and glares - as you say, like a defiant teenager!

In that case. I'd pop the long line back on him - use it to manipulate him into the right position, rather than reel him in like a fish ;) and give him a small reward when he comes back on it - save the jackpot rewards for the times he comes all the way on his own accord.....  Play him at his own game ;)

keisha use to do this, but instead of standing there she would come about an arms length away from me and then run off again-very annoying, i got her out of this by playing the 'im not bothered game'  and do lots of recalls throughout her walk not just one last one to put her lead back on, because then what was the point of her coming back if it was going to be then end of the walk?  she still does this now and again, not in recalls any more, she comes back so fast she nearly knocks me flying! but during retreives, she comes back with the article and just as i said give she would turn around so I couldnt reach so I clicker trained that to come closer and closer and now she realises that it doesnt get thrown until it is back in my hand.
good luck with him, Sarah