Im just off to get a couple of phone numbers for classes and get her booked in. I dont mind reading advice but i have realised its probably better someone teach me in person.

Hope all goes well for you and your dog.

the theory is simple - reward dog when she comes back (food/toys/cuddle etc.) - punish (bad word, but the truth) if she doesn't.

just using rewards in your training will get you VERY VERY far, but eventually is constrained by 1. the motivation of your dog, 2. distractions, 3. the reward.

try a bigger better treat, AND don't just give ONE TREAT.
THE BIGGEST MISTAKE IN POSITIVE DOG TRAINING = ONE TREAT.

give TEN/TWENTY, then play with your dog, multiple treats, multiple behaviors, recall then tell her to go between your legs, sit, downs, heeling, chasing food....... make it an EVENT to come back to you.

NOT JUST ONE CRAPPY treat.

then move from continuous to variable to random reinforcement.

__________________
Cambridge Dog Training School | G3 Dogs
www.g3dogs.com

MaryRose; don't feel dumb. Telling you to go to training classes doesn't help with your confidence levels... when the majority of the time you're only at a class for an hour or so a week anyway and won't cover every situation when you're out with your dog.

I'm of the opinion that treats can and do work (but not all of the time). I just wanted to say that you and me both are going through this at the moment and to let you know you're not alone . Kaz25 is also going through it with Benny
Dogs are great - but hard work when it comes to winning on some issues!!!

Do it and your dog never ever will back to you.
Edidasa how you can gave so mixed advice? The rest of it is good, but that line about punishment?

Scenario: you call the dog, he won't come back and when he do it, what do you do? Punish him. What the dog learns: coming back= no more freedom, no more play and instead of it punishment. Who wants to back to be punished? Dogs aren't that stupid. Next time he will do everything to not come back to you.

I would never punish a dog for not coming back, thats the one rule i can remember about Pongo being small. I used to get so cross until someone pointed out that no one wants to go back when they are going to get shouted at.

I had a mentor so to speak with Pongo we had a good community of dog walkers and i had so much help and advice. That was however 9 years ago i have moved and Penny is very different personality.

Until the classes tho i will buy or make lots of different treats and try and make a big fuss of her when out.

How confusing is this for the OP. 3 different approaches. Which one is the OP to believe. They all believe in their own methods so they must have all worked for someone. I'm not trying to be confrontational but IMO this clearly illustrates how confusing internet advice can be. I'm not going to offer more advice on this recall problem. Each dog is individual and you must find what works for you and this dog. This is why there is no substitute for getting help from someone you trust who can see the dog and the behaviour. Rant over now.

it is confusing but i take all advice and then think about what approaches i would like to use with my dog. if one doesnt work then the other may.

Im just at the gathering information stage. I am also doing research elsewhere and looking at obedience classes.

i am like sponge, soaking it all up and if there is an approach i dont like then i will squeeze it out

Watch out with that! Sometimes you can stick to long with one and not enough with another one.

Bonding with Your Dog: A Trainer's Secrets for Building a Better Relationship: Amazon.co.uk: Victoria Schade: Books

This is a good book not necessarily for recall problems, but there is many good advises how to bond with dog and make him stick with you.