1. Set your dog up for success! Only use your recall cue when you know the dog is listening and is most likely going to return to you. Make sure there are no other major distractions around like other dogs, prey animals, favorite toys, food on the ground or other exciting sites and smells. By only using your recall cue in this way, your will not be mistakenly reinforcing your dog for doing other things before responding to you.
2. Manage the situation. If you are in a higher distraction area or you're not sure if your dog will return to you on cue then it might be best to manage the situation by having your dog on a long line leash. This way your dog has the freedom to explore but if you cue them to recall and they don't respond immediately you can gently reel them in with the long line and reward. This way there is no chance for mistakes and the dog can always be rewarded for returning.
3. Positive situations only. Don't use your recall cue to call your dog back and then do something they don't like. This will teach the dog that responding to the recall cue will result in a punishment rather than a reward. Things you should avoid doing after recall include: leashing up and leaving the dog park, nail clipping, bathing, going inside, ending the game/fun.
4. You won the jackpot! Giving your dog a jackpot reward of a larger quantity of their favorite treats or a long game of tug (or whatever your dog finds most rewarding) will help set the precedent in your dog's mind that recalling is one of the best things ever. You don't have to give your dog a jackpot all the time but when given at random intervals a jackpot will have your dog sprinting for you on cue every time.
If you've already used your recall cue, the dog isn't on a long line or leash and isn't returning to you, instead of going to try to catch the dog try running away from your dog while calling their name. Most dogs will take this as an invitation to chase you and it will be easier to get them leashed again.
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