I'm trying to figure out how to go about introducing distractions for a whistle recall when the dog is running and focused on a target (potential prey item, other dog, etc.). A fairly common situation where I'd use this is when free running with the dogs, dog spots something across a field/ahead on the trail before I do and start sprinting toward it. I've been working hard on the whistle 'instant' recall while running and in formal training sessions and he responds very quickly in somewhat controlled situations, (so far the only situations I've used the whistle) but once he starts running, it's like he doesn't even hear me.
So far, he's responded to the whistle under the distraction of a thrown ball, another dog, and while playing with my other dog. Also with random recalls in the house. I have always marked the behavior as soon as I see him start toward me, and reward him with a high value treat when he comes.
I have an e-collar and the e-collar video from Leerburg, so I have that tool, but need help/insight in using it in this situation. Ideally, of course, I'd call the dog before he gets into high drive but that won't always be possible.
I do my formal training in a snowy, dark, mostly fenced in soccer field. Not super fun for me, but it's the best I've got. Usually, it's just me training. I'd like to simulate the chase scenario somehow and then correct in the proper manner and get a recall.
Any suggestions? When and how do I introduce an e-collar correction?
I don't want to start the wrong way and then have to go back with harsher corrections. Basically, the whistle needs to mean stop and come here fast with no hesitation. I use my voice and his name for non-urgent type situations.

Have you worked with him on a leave it command at all? It's kind of a general purpose stop what your doing and then you could recall him.

here's how I did it for my two.

got the recall solid using the Ecollar

cranked them up and threw the ball and sent them out,

gave them platz command, gave correction, once they platz I would send them out to get the ball and bring the ball.

then I moved on from platz to heir, once they start running towards me I send them out for the ball. then moved on to the send out to heir. At first I screwed it up and the poor dog thought she was being corrected for going after the ball and didn't want to play anymore, that's why I always let them get the ball. forgot to mention, when I called them back to me and to the foos I had another ball in my pocket to send them after and bring back then send them out to bring back the ball I threw out earlier

But unless I'm missing it Dennis, I think she is having more of problem with chasing something that needs to be fixed separate of the recall.

I think so many people only use the ecollar for a correction. If you proof the dog correctly, raise the distraction level incrementatly, the dog will understand and then "if" he does not respond (ie, the distraction is too high) then you can use the ecollar, BUT have the dog on a long line so you can give a direction to come to you. You must know what level your dog works without distractions and then how he responds to a ecollar correction at a low level and I mean low. That's what the long line is for. I spend a lot of time on proofing my dogs under lots of different sceanrios, think out of the box here, different places, buildings, inside, outside, rain, snow, when the dog is hyped up and when he is tired. The whistle is great, dogs can hear it really well. Think about setting the dog up for success and whala, you will have success. Do your homework with your dog, make it a great thing to come back to you and then the ecollar is there for an emergency.

Happy Training ... and please let me know what kind of ideas you can come up with.

Heck I've even used remote controlled cars to proof positions, lololo and Hover crafts are really cool

HAVE FUN!!!!
Roni

Thanks for the suggestions- it always seems to come down to a really solid recall. A lot of it is my own fault for letting him run free a lot as a pup. All I asked was that he check in every few minutes. Fine then, because I was working in a very remote area, but now that I'm back in civilization I really am having to step up the training. My ideas so far are to place distractions along our normal evening walk (a few old stuffed animals) and work with those, also visit the nieghbor's horses (with permission and a long line), and to use the ball/chase distraction with whistle alternated with 'heir', as Dennis suggested. With help I could have someone with a 'teaser' lure, like a shammy at the end of a rope/pole and call him away from that, but that's too high level distraction for starter training with this. He'll be wearing the e-collar but I'm not planning to use it at first since he's quite food-motivated, though I'll have to gage his level of intensity/focus and go from there (a running deer is the highest level of distraction, not sure how to simulate that except through working with lots of other distractions). Right now he'll perk up when he sees a dark spot on the snow, or a clod of dirt ahead in the trail, thinking it may be a rabbit, so stuffed animals will do for starters. He's a quick learner but does love to run! I'll let you know how it goes. I love the remote control car idea, too- I may have to invest...

Thanks for that, Mike. I have a 20 footer, but I'll need to be working at twice that, so I'll have to figure out how to handle a 40 foot line.
I'm learning more than the dog, that's for sure!

I have long lines from 10' to 50' that I have used on my dogs. My pups learn to drag long lines from the the very begining. They spend alot of time dragging lines...until proofed under heavy distractions. They are even on long lines when first proofed with the e-collar on heavy distractions.

LONG LIVE THE LONG-LINE!!! There is nothing better to use in dog training to safely create a trained dog.

I'm going to try to vid some recalls this weekend, I'd do it sooner but my camera man doesn't get off the bus until late and its too dark.... damn winter, I think I've had enough winter now. I had to shovel off six inches of Global Warming off my side walk during Christmas