Originally posted by KatieDog
Thanks for the welcome, clara (this list is so friendly ), and I agree with your advice about the small steps and importance of lots of praise. (I know I probably look ridiculous to non-dog people when I reward Katie for doing the right thing: e.g., recently my neighbor, who was watching us work in the back yard, asked whether I was teaching my dog to come, or my dog was teaching me to jump up and down.) I find that my dog's training doesn't always happen as forward "progress," either and that often we have to "review" things we've already learned (again, I have the most easily distracted dog ever in the history of dogs--it's frustrating at times, but in a way it's part of her charm, too).

One other thing I thought of, just in terms of the dog's safety, (which is one reason why, of course, you want a reliable "come" or "here") is that "down" can also be really useful. I.e., since it can be hard to recall a dog all the way back to you if she's headed full speed in another direction, sometimes "down" and then "stay" work to stop the dog until you can get over to her.
I taught my dogs a stop command for that purpose, it means just that, stop moving, stop doing what your doing & stay in that stop position until I notify them otherwise.

And the pointers you got are great, in order for your dog to come to you than you have to be at least just as much fun if not more than whatever your dog is interested in at the time. If all else fails & your dog is off leash (which should not happen until your dog has a great re-call), just say the dogs name & come as soon as the dog sees you, you turn & jog the other way, most dogs will follow you. ALWAYS praise when the dog comes never ever punish.

And yes by telling your dog to come after you have called it 5 times teaches the dog that it does not have to come right away, that is why the dog should be on a leash, call the dog once if it does not listen then make the dog come to you by "realling" it in. then praise when the dog gets to you. Eventually lengthen the leash & always say come in a fun tone. Patience & frequent practice is the key!