Take a look at this blog post to learn about developing a great recall with your dog:
http://theonlinedogtrainer.com/7-secrets-to-training-your-dog-to-come-when-called/

She follows us with “this way command” and will come back with the “come here” recall command and heads off again with the “ok” or “off you go” command.

She isn’t perfect by any means but to be honest we feel we have an acceptable level of control at this point and she is a joy to be with and everyone is happy.

Unfortunately on occasions that are becoming more and more frequent it seems a switch flicks in her head and she literally looks back at us and runs off as fast as she can!

Even if we can see the change in her and try and recall to nip it in the bud she totally ignores us.

We have a tracker so can see where she is and never let her off near roads so we know she is “safe-ish” We are careful not over-call her when she runs away and try to only give the specific re-call command when she looks to be heading back in our direction anyway to maximise our chances of success

She usually comes back exhausted and very pleased with herself after 5-10 mins but sometimes she can run off for 20-30 mins and I’ve had to climb through thickets and across rivers to get close enough to finally get her back on 2 occasions now!

We always stay neutral – clip her on the lead or pick up the long line as she is often on a long line and carry on with the walk when we do eventually find her. If she recalls well at the end of the escapade we reward her for the recall but often we have to make her sit from a distance (which she can do quite well!) and then go and fetch her.

Frustratingly she will sometimes come back within a 3/4m take a good look at us (ignore the sit from a distance command!) and then head straight off again!

Any advice? We are doing the 5 basic command things at home and her behaviour at home is pretty good to be fair. We are still practicing recall on a flexi lead when we do not have the time or energy to let her off in case she runs away!

Do we need to go back to the enclosed garden environment training and start again?

Would introducing a whistle help?

Any suggestions for better “treats” – she is not particularly food oriented and although she loves other dogs balls she gets bored of her own ball very quickly. A piece of rabbit skin on a string was exciting for a short time in the house and now just doesn’t cut the mustard on walks. I’ve even tried blowing kids bubbles which she absolutely loves but results are inconsistent.

I feel very disheartened that she can be an absolute pleasure to be with most of the time and whilst her recall is not brilliant by any means – I am confident she will come back until the point she “changes”! Its as if she just needs to shake of the loose control we have and go wild – and literally just can’t help herself!

It’s clearly us that is doing something wrong but I cannot work out what we need to do to get things back on track!

Sorry for such a long message! Having signed up for the training and seeing the results we have so far I feel very confident that you will be able to help us get back on track – we just need to find the key to the door – maybe we just need figure out a way to be more exciting to be around?

Hi Emily,
First things first, make sure the harness fits your dog correctly. The shoulder joint should be totally free to move in it’s full range of motion (no straps across the shoulder), it shouldn’t cut in under the armpits or ribcage & you need to be able to fit a flat palm in between your dog and the harness at all points, especially along the spine……but it shouldn’t be too lose either!
If your dog is anxious about his harness then try scheduling some regular practice putting it on & taking it off. Call your dog to you, give a treat & calmly/quickly fit the harness….give another few treats and then calmly take it off again. Desensitising your dog to having his harness fitted is actually the first step to gaining better recall….it’s essentially a trust building exercise! My Whistle Training guide will also help with mastering good recall. All the Best, Doggy Dan

Hi Shirley, remember that you can always get things back on track if you feel you need to! All the Best, Doggy Dan

Also from the very beginning he has frozen in a harness, even though it is soft and breathable. He is becoming better on a leash after the first 10 minutes. Suggestions?!