I do cringe when I read posts where the owner chases the pup/dog.
I start teaching a pup recall at 8 -9 weeks old and I don’t use a leash. I take the pup to the wood and just walk and since I am the pup’s ONLY fixed point in it new life… it will follow me. I make many stops, sit down and turn my back to the pup… when it comes (and it does), it is rewarded with praise, play, a ball or grand mom’s meatballs.
If the pup is interested in something and focused on other things, I hide and watch the pup from the hide, wait until the pup finds out I am out of sight… then I call it. If the pup has the flock drive, it will find you. (It also stimulates its desire to use the nose and in away it’s the first “tracks”)
There are many ways to teach a pup recall, but please keep in mind, it's not fair to think a pup will come to you if it is sniffing around, looking at kids playing with a ball etc. Wait till the pup has focus on you, first then call it, in a happy voice. Running away from the pup, throwing a ball in the air will stimulate it’s prey drive and the pup will find “come” is a big game. Also in the teaching phase, I just want the pup to come and come fast. I don’t care if it sit or any thing else.
If you trigger the pups drives...prey or flock... you make a good foundations for a reliable and fast recall.
No matter what method you use, the recall must be fun and rewarded
!