JE-UK

Sorry, should have said, works best to start work on reliable recalls & games in the house, then move to a fenced area, then once perfect there, move to outside on a long line, then eventually practice with no long line. Each of the previous steps should be reliable before moving to the next.

You can find what are called tracking lines, for gun dogs, that are very lightweight, very long leads. The advantage is that they are light, so sometimes the dog forgets they are attached (and that you therefore have final control). Great for practicing recall work.

SnorPuddel

Sneaking up on him, is a game to him.

My personal preference is reward based training, and it has worked wonders for me. I played the name game with Baldr from the moment he came home with me. I would say his name and as soon as he looked at me, he would get a treat..his name became a very positive thing. He has been off leash since 8 weeks old, and has come back every time I call, he even breaks off when chasing chipmunks or bunnies.
One or twice he has found a very interesting smell and did not come on the first call (and I only call once, because his recall should be on Baldr, not Baldr Baldr), I have just run in the opposite direction, and within seconds he will be by my side.

It really comes down to what type if training you want to do with your dog, cause once you find the method you want to use, stick with it.

Good luck

JE-UK

That is so right, it becomes a game, which will make it harder to unteach.

I have never had a dog so quick to learn, nor so eager for a game, as my poodle.

Mine likes the keep-away game so much that we do play it, but we only play when *I* say we play. The code phrases are "I'm gonna GET you" or "GIVE me that". The first means now I'm going to chase you, and I won't chase you at any other time. The second means it's time to play keep-away with the toy in your mouth, and we ONLY play this game with low-value toys, never with something that I really want back from him.

Anyway, my point it, you CAN still play "bad" games with your poodle, just play them on your terms.