Originally Posted by
TuMicks
I guess I'm confused. I don't know what an sxs is. Is he exiting a crate when he crawls under things? Does it happen when you call him to you in the house?
When you're training a duck dog, (think about it) what behavior is paramount? Basically, you want a retriever to sit and stay (remaining quiet) and only go when he's released. That's why you don't work on a recall, until the dog sits like a rock. Or rather, I should say... that's why the influential retriever field trainers are more concerned with steadiness than recall early on.
For you, right now, it's a pain in the butt because you have to go and get the dog because he won't come voluntarily. So, for now... just bait him. Have some beef jerky in your pocket or string cheese. Let him come to you. The treat in one hand, the lead in the other, sweet talking him out from under whatever he's hiding under. Get down on the ground and make happy sounds, while putting just a bit of tension on the line. Let him come to you.
I'd suggest you join a retriever club if there's one handy. (Where are you in La?) And there are lots of DVD's and books to help you map out a training strategy. (I like Bill Hillmann's program.)