Use this once the mechanics of recall are solid and you want to build speed and excitement.
1Have a helper restrain your dog gently around the chest (or use a long line looped around a stable object if practicing alone).
2Move a few feet away, call your dog's name and "come," and begin running away so your dog has to catch you.
3Have the helper release your dog to you after a brief hold.
4As your dog catches up, offer your hand to touch, then throw a party: 10-15 treats over about 15 seconds of praise, or a tug/toy session instead.
5Gradually vary the distance from the helper while decreasing how much you run, working toward calling from a standstill.
6Practice this in the open, including on a walk, periodically calling your dog to you and releasing them back to sniff and play.
7NO HELPER? Attach a long line to your dog's harness and wrap the free end around a small tree or pole to form a "U." Call your dog, drop your end of the line, and run - then pick the line back up and throw the party when your dog catches up.
Play recall games with generous food or play celebrations, then sometimes let your dog go back to what they were doing.