Need a Catchy Recall Command!

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

So we started "family Dog 2" at classes with our trainer tonight.  Must say, my guy was the star of the class (IMHO).  Of course, just before we lef for class, he was running around on our front lawn with the electrician's gloves in his mouth, refusing to "drop" and teasing/taunting and being a general brat.  We have a jeckel.hyde doodle.  Sweet, obedient, loving in doors and DEVIL INCARNATE outside, especially when he can get his jaws around any matter that fits in his jaws.  hence more classes.

Today, we had a couple of workers here installing a generator (so that LI can be assured of NEVER having a power outage again so that we can never say _ NANANANANNA  ) Anyway, even though we tried to keep him inside, he would escape periodically and he stole their tape, their gloves, their rubber gloves and ran around like a complete idiooot on the lawn each time, taunting us.  

really embarrassing.   funny that one of the workers is a dog trainer...he got Quincy to sit and stay, but even he could not get him to release the whateverwasinhismouthatthemoment item.   

I had to go to class without DH, another story since Q. pooped and I had no bag and an arm full of supplies, but I digress..

this class teaches a no kidding around RECALL COMMAND.  tonight we were told to come up with a NAME....something the dog does not hear all the time, something we would remember and something that would come to mind and be forceful and catch the dog's attention.  the idea is that in class and in practice it is used only for recall and a very high reward is then given.  so if you picture (g-d forbid) your doodle running toward a busy road and potentially about to be hit by a car, you want a word that  not only he will respond to, but that you will remember....

she actually said, OH sh_T! was probably inappropriate.

so, fellow DK-- what word works for you or do you suggest?   

[BG and Gavin]

We sometimes need a two step approach.  If Gavin is on a dead run after something "come" does not seem to register.  I have to stop his brain first.  He is excellent at the "stop" command and will stop dead in his tracks when he hears it in an urgent tone.  I try not to use it too often.  Once he is stopped, but usually still looking forward at his object of desire (bunny, chipmunk, squirrel)  I can *usually* get him to turn around and return with "come."  But what I mostly do is go get him once he has stopped and reward him as I don't want to risk failure.

[BG and Gavin]

p.s. Is squeaky tennis ball considered a command?  I have used that in an emergency situation ;)

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

LOL!  Quincy usually responds to me whistling and shaking his treats box-but not if he has stolen something and is doing his running crazies 

[Wendy and Myla]

"Stop" is a great one too!  Just one word and it's a word you'd remember when you're upset and need their attention!  It's just important to realize that it's easy to use a "word" in training but totally different when they are in danger! 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Thanks everyone- I am thinking of  STOP or also Come, NOW! but appreciate all your suggestions and comments.

 I remember when we took the first classes last year, I had a hard time believing Quincy would do some of the commands, like "go to mat" , but he does that and has a good "sit" and others.  Therefore I am putting my trust in this trainer and am willing to put the time into teaching him a strong recall.  I just can't get the picture of him running in circles on the lawn with a whatever in his mouth, taunting us!  

We'll see!