How to teach your dog to come
Your dog must WANT to come when called because it is rewarding and satisfying for him. Most dogs will come when there's no distractions, especially if you are in the kitchen and they think food might be involved. Teaching your dog to come when called is not difficult, but requires that you have a good bond with your dog and are willing to use some basic techniques.
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Instructions
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Make sure most of the time you are using his name to bring him to you for something positive–belly rubs, a hug, food, a game or to go out and have fun. Do not only call him to come inside when he's out having fun in the yard, to go in his crate for the day or while he's offleash at the dog park and you are calling him to put on his leash and leave.
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Watch your tone of voice when calling him. Dogs pay more attention to our tone of voice and body language then the actual words we use. You don't have to use baby talk, but try to avoid being overly harsh in your tone. Some dogs won't be so bothered, but many dogs– especially ones with more soft and submissive temperaments--can become nervous if you are too demanding in your overall tone. Relax your posture, even kneel down and adopt a welcoming stance. Puppies will come to you happily as long as you are not threatening in any way. If you have an adult dog who may have been treated harshly in his past, he'll need reassurance that being called to his human means only good things.
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Do not call your dog to punish him. He'll be less likely to want to come when called if he is unsure of the reception he'll get.. If you need to punish him, go to him and do so. Avoid using his name when telling him off. Instead of saying “Fido! Bad Fido!” use other words– "Bad dog, shame on you." Do you get frustrated when calling your dog 100 times, then act all exasperated when he finally does come? If your dog isn't coming to you despite your yelling his name over and over, then stop doing what isn't working! All you are doing is getting mad, and teaching the dog that there are no consequences for not coming.
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Get yourself a long leash–about 20 feet long, for outside. Call the dog to you, preferably not when he is really busy with reading pee-mail or following a rabbit scent. If he doesn't come, immediately reel him in while telling him how fabulous he is. Reward when you get him to you. What are you teaching your dog? That he really has no choice in the matter, and that when he finally does get to you, he gets rewarded! Then let him go off again, but keep that leash attached.
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Consider what your dog was originally bred for. Some breeds are more distractable than others. Terriers and scenting dogs were bred to follow scents and hunt varmints and to work independently from their handlers. Jack Russell Terriers and Beagles are often hardwired to put nose to the ground and follow scents and tune out everything around them. Field hunting and herding dogs like Labradors and Collies were developed over centuries to work closely with humans and be more responsive and attentive to their handlers. It's simply harder for some breeds, so be patient.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember, any exercises involving giving treats to your dog are best done when the dog is hungry.
<br>Whether your dog is onleash or off leash on walks, carry treats or a favorite toy. Get his attention periodically and – you guessed it – big party and reward for attention.
<br>If you call him and he decides to play “keep away” and run from you – don't play his game! Turn and run the other way, while calling him. Most dogs will follow you.
