They never talk about themselves but listen to you while you talk about yourself, and keep up an appearance of being interested in the conversation.
–Jerome K. Jerome, English humorist

The most common problem dog owners experience that the dog will not come when called. The dog might be “busy”, checking out his surroundings, sniffing, chasing a cat, digging in the yard, or just playing deaf. Training a dog to come when called it difficult because most dog owners make the mistake to associate the “come” command quite frequently with a negative experience. Let me explain this. If you saw that your dog emptied the trash can, bit through your computer cable, you will call him and show your dissatisfaction. Your dog will immediately associate the word “come”with something unpleasant, and getting caught for bad behavior is unpleasant, right�

The second mistake most dog owners make is to expect that the dog already has the mind of an Einstein, even before training starts. Think of your dog as a little toddler, take it easy, and adjust your training to how you would teach a child, a kindergardener, and not a college student.

You will sabotage all your training efforts if you let your dog roam around without leash. A run in the park, playing with other dogs without the owner is fun for your animal. It will associate “funâ€? being without you. Actually the owner is the one who spoils his fun by putting an end to these activities or calling him, and most likely put a leash on him to take the animal back home or in the car. Why would he follow the command “come”if it means an end to fun times? Think logically!

Another mistake is to call the dog numerous times. The dog will quickly pick up that he can ignore the “come� command for at least 5 to 10 times and prolong his fun to end. That way the decision NOT to come immediately is more rewarding for the dog, some more playtimes, than to obey right away.

Many dogs learn quickly that the command “comeâ€? is associated with something less pleasurable. Be it a bath, clipping nails, reprimanding him for bad behavior, etc. If you plan on any of these, don’t call the dog, just go and get him. Do not use the command “come”!

Training sessions should be short and intense. Don’t exceed 10 to 15 minutes, or your dog will just “blank out”. But dogs learn all day long, they watch you, they listen to you, and you need to be aware of that. Otherwise you will unintentionally teach your dog undesirable behavior. Most important is to incorporate positive training into the daily routine.

Do not let your dog off the leash until you can rely on him listening to the “come” command. A wild-goose chase might end up in a bad accident, your dog might run onto the street, get hit by a car, and worse.

Basics for “come”:
Make sure your dog is alert, and not sleepy or tired. An additional help is if your dog is hungry, since you will be using food/treats for the basic training. Take a treat, show it to the dog and call “come”or “come here” (stick to one command please!) Praise the dog as soon as he approaches, and give him the treat or some kibbles. This basic training should not take too long; most dogs will do anything for a treat

Add some challenge:
Next add a second command. As soon as the dog is close to you, following your “comeâ€? call, add the command “sitâ€?. Hold the dog at its collar before you give him the treat/kibbles. Many dogs might come and sit but duck and run away as soon as you try to touch them. If the dog runs away, keep repeating this exercise, don’t give him his treat as long as he won’t let you touch him!