You actually have TWO problems here. 1. Cookie is starting adolesences and 2. Cookie is a Golden Retriever!

Goldens are big happy go lucky, I like to play and don't want to stop kids and add adolesents to it and you have a frustrating combination. Recalls DO NOT work for Goldens in the WATER! They KNOW you more than likely WON'T come in and get them and you can stand there and call all you want, but they aren't coming.

So my suggestion.... Even if you are not going to water train for hunting or some other water sport, you need to at least do the basic water training that water dogs need in order to listen.

When they go out to do a retrieve, you want them to go straight out and straight back. If left to their own devices then they take the long way home!

You need to have some equipment with you. Have a long line about 30 to 45 feet and a whistle. Put the long line on her and let her go out (preferrably to retrieve something you throw.) As she swims out you let the line go out with her but have the end of it in your hands. When you have about 5 feet left then give the whistle three short toots and IMMEDIATELY call her name and Come (or whatever you use for recall). If she ignores you then you take the long line and start reeling it in as fast as you can. She may go under water and will be startled when she pops back up (good job on your part) and will look at you like "HEY, WHAT DID YOU DO THAT FOR?" When she comes in to you IMMEDIATELY praise her and give her a reward.

Repeat the process. Never let her in the water without the long line until you see that when she hears the Whistle she immediately turns to you and starts to come back in (even before she hears you call her name and come.)

The whistle is her clue that she is to stop going out further and listen to what you want from her. Make sure that when she acknowledges the whistle you give her a clear "COOKIE - COME". Talk to her as she is coming in if necessary such as "Good Girl Cookie."

The benifit to this is how fast you reel her in when you first do this. When we were training Dixie for Duck hunting, it only took two times for her to realize she better come or else. The first time we reeled her in soooooooo fast that she went under water and torpedo'd out with such a startled look, I still see it and laugh. You are not hurting the dog but you are giving a signal that when you hear that whistle you better get ready to come or else.

Happy training!