Elspeth, I'm no expert on this but when you recall her unless she comes right up to you so that you can get hold of her collar and ask her to sit - don't reward her. If she stands a few feet away, move backwards and call her again. Once she does come up to you - go over the top with the praise. She will soon learn. Also whenever you recall her get hold of her collar before you release her. That way she won't think that everytime she comes very close you are going to put her on the lead. If coming up to you at the moment means an end of her free running this could be why she is staying away.

With the retrieve I found this very hard to get Maggie to put it in my hand. I took some advice from Peter and found it really worked well. Make sure she is giving the dummy to you before you try anything more complicated like a memory retrieve. Sit her by your side and tell her to stay. Throw the dummy out in front of you, and when she is relaxed ask her to go and get it. Once she has it her mouth shout good girl and ask her to bring it to you. If she drops it, step back and ask her to get it again. Keep doing this until she brings it right up close and you can take it and ask her to sit. Then go overboard with praise and treats. Once she realises how happy it makes you when she brings it right up close you will probably find that she practically throws it at you - that's what Maggie does and now I am trying to make her realise that I don't want it in my face! Only reward her once she had done exactly what you ask. Keep the training short and once done have a play with a ball or toy. Maggie is 16 months now and I have only recently found her to respond well. Not sure how old Ceildih is but I know she is a lot younger and I'm sure she will get there in the end.

Hope all that makes sense!

I have been having problems getting Maggie to heal off lead. She does it but she is not close enough to me. I read in my training book that a good way to practice this is to walk with the dog sandwiched between you and a hedge. I took her out this afternoon to give it a go. It really worked well. Healing on a lead is another matter (lol!