My Puppy Won't Recall When He Has A Ball?

Our puppy has developed the habit of not coming when lose in the yard (fenced) at home. He is especially bad if he has a ball. In Obedience and agility, he has a pretty good recall - actually listens quite well in class... Then when he is out with a ball he has no interest in treats. Our trainer/breeder did suggest giving him his daily food only by hand as a reward. If he does not do enough to get rewarded with his normal food portion - do we feed him the rest at the end of the day?? Do we need to go back to where all his outdoor time is on a long line and his indoor time is on a leash?? This is hard to do with a healthy energetic puppy. Thank you - I use Leerburg frequently for training, and ordering training toys or tools.

Leerburg's Answer:

In this case, I would go back to the long line and leash. Dogs go through developmental stages and if my dogs start showing me that they need reminders of the rules I have no issue backing up my training and management to remind them that I am the gateway for the things they want (play, food, running around loose, etc).

A 16-month-old dog is like a teenager, they sometimes need privileges revoked. His exercise and fun should come through interacting with you (i.e. fun training games, recalls, etc).

If my dog won't come when called in my own yard then they certainly have not earned the freedom of being off the long line. I would also control the ball, I wouldn't allow him to self satisfy with it. It would become something he earns working with you.