Teaching the recall involves two people. One holding the dog on the leash so he is lunging and wanting to get to his handler followed by about a 10-15 foot MARK yes command and then a pay out. Correct?

Well it depends on the goal. If basic foundation is done first (focus, sit, down, stand, front) then recall is easier and can be done alone. You just call to front while adding distance. The 2 people method is a good way to end a training session, adds speed and gets the dog high just before you end the session.

That's very similar to what was being taught in puppy classes 30 yrs ago.
No leash is really needed unless the dog is a runner.
The person calling the dog shouldn't use the dogs name UNTIL he wants the holder to let the dog go. Clap, get excited, run but don't use the dog's name or call it until the dog is super focused on you.
I simply take very young pups for a walk in the woods. Before 12-14 weeks old they are very needy for their litter mates/mom so they will want to follow you.
When the pup gets distracted, get behind something and watch the pup. When it realizes your gone it will get excited. This is the time to step out and call the pup to you. I always kept a shirt pocket full of Cheerios for reward.
After 12-14 wks old many pup's curiosity can get the best of them and they aren't as interested in following.

Bob that's what I was telling my wife. I thought we had communicated that but she thought I wanted him to release to "here" so the dog was checking out because she wouldn't release and I said his name. We both got a little pissed off LOL. It's only because she saw "here" being used in recall by mike. I think we will try it again tomorrow. Gambit wants to be with me but not her. She's fine with that because I have more time to train.

After reading the book on nutrition for dogs and cat's I don't think I'd give my animal anything like Cheerios

Faisal I'm just trying to teach him his name with recall. My wife said "Won't he then not know come?" and I told her we can add in the command.

 Quote: nick logan

Faisal I'm just trying to teach him his name with recall. My wife said "Won't he then not know come?" and I told her we can add in the command.

Teaching the dog his name and training the recall are two different things in my book. You can teach his name all day long by simply saying "Gambit" and every time he looks up at you mark and reward. He learns that when he hears that word he gets rewarded.

By training the recall using his name you are teaching that the word GAMBIT means to come running back to dad. That is fine; some folks do use their dog's name as a recall word (Kelly, I think) but then to add "come" after you have trained him "Gambit" (for recall) is just adding confusion where none is needed. You will be teaching him that Gambit means come and "COME" means come - does that make sense?

It might help to make a list of the behaviors you want to train ie: come, sit, down, heel, etc... and form in your mind the manner you are going to train each behavior and work on them one at a time. Pick one word that both you and your wife will use for that specific command and make it as fun and clear for the pup as you can.

Keep in mind that all this should be FUN and increase your bonding with the dog... no stress, no corrections, etc... Fun. Bonding. Very clear to the dog that each word has a separate meaning.

I'd skip the leash and just hold him - you don't want to inadvertantly teach him to lunge and be crazy on the least. Or put a harness on him and hold that.

Wear thin gloves when holding him because he might be a bit mouthy.

http://leerburg.com/flix/searchResults.php?searchfor=recal

 Quote: barbara schuler

 Quote: nick logan

Faisal I'm just trying to teach him his name with recall. My wife said "Won't he then not know come?" and I told her we can add in the command.

Teaching the dog his name and training the recall are two different things in my book. You can teach his name all day long by simply saying "Gambit" and every time he looks up at you mark and reward. He learns that when he hears that word he gets rewarded.

By training the recall using his name you are teaching that the word GAMBIT means to come running back to dad. That is fine; some folks do use their dog's name as a recall word (Kelly, I think) but then to add "come" after you have trained him "Gambit" (for recall) is just adding confusion where none is needed. You will be teaching him that Gambit means come and "COME" means come - does that make sense?

It might help to make a list of the behaviors you want to train ie: come, sit, down, heel, etc... and form in your mind the manner you are going to train each behavior and work on them one at a time. Pick one word that both you and your wife will use for that specific command and make it as fun and clear for the pup as you can.

Keep in mind that all this should be FUN and increase your bonding with the dog... no stress, no corrections, etc... Fun. Bonding. Very clear to the dog that each word has a separate meaning.

Also, I would practice the human movements and actions in advance when there are two involved, because the LAST thing you want is for the puppy to watch the fun session deteriorate into his pack leaders "getting pissed."

"After reading the book on nutrition for dogs and cat's I don't think I'd give my animal anything like Cheerios"

LOL! You will get a LOT less picky than this, Nick; I guarantee it. You are having post-book rosy glow.

The diet as a whole needs to be balanced and appropriate. A few Cheerios (just like small commercial treats) are just fine.