Recall

This is my opinion/suggestions on what I believe to be one of the most important commands for a dog. This is base of the following question with a young pup in training;

When we walk in a field I use a 30’ lead. I let my dog get some distance from me as long as it isn’t maxing out the leash. When he gets too far I give him the "Come" (here) command. If he doesn’t pay attention, I give him a quick pop with the collar then praise the crap out of him while he comes to me?

It’s the correction I’m concerned about. Should I be using it or just praise until he comes?

My opinion;
Be sure to use the verbal correct ie. No, followed by a physical correction (pop). Immediately followed by the command for the desired behavior "Come" (here) (sit, down, wait). Immediately at the first sign for performing the desired behavior, follow up with "Good Come" (here)(enter other command). Then praise, praise, praise and then big praise right next to you.

You want the verbal correction prior to the physical correction so he understands that a physical correction is coming next if not completed on verbal command.

This may not make sense for most pet dog handlers. For working dogs (Police, SAR, Service) though, if you happen to be working a scenario, a scene, or moving through the community on leash and trip, fall or stumble. You could inadvertently bump the leash and collar. If you have been consistent with verbal correction prior to physical correction the dog will know your just a clumsy human since there was no verbal correction or command prior to it and continue doing its job (working).

The correction is not to disregard the command given. The verbal/physical correction is for the failure in completing the given command and confirmed by repeating the desired command. The completion of the command is further reinforced with praise while completing the command.

No matter what, the greatest place in the world is always right next to you, hence the big praise when he gets there. This is especially important with pups or dogs learning something new. No matter what a train wreck it may have been from initial command to completion, the greatest place in the world for the dog is always next to you. Its really more about the praise than any correction. The better the praise the more the dog will want to come to you (specifically when working recall).

Recall can save the dog from danger and avoid serious injury or death depending on the perceived danger. Train often with as many distractions as possible to ensure solid recalls. Remember the praise is most important. That is what gets the dog to want to recall to you and recall as quickly as possible.