There are two important rules to teach your dog to come every time: 1) Set the dog up for success, and 2) NEVER CALL YOUR DOG TO YOU FOR PUNISHMENT! Start by standing directly next to your dog holding a food treat that is the most wonderful treat your dog can imagine. Say the “come” command (or whatever word you will be using) and slip the treat into the dog’s mouth. Repeat until every time he hears the command he expects to get that great treat. Always use a happy, inviting tone of voice when giving the command. Once your dog looks to you for the treat at the mere sound of the command, move a short distance away and give your command. When your dog comes to you, praise him lavishly and give the treat. Repeat. Move a further short distance away, and repeat. Reinforce by calling your dog multiple times daily, giving that special treat, and then sending him on his way. Avoid calling your dog to you to bring him inside, to put him in his crate or otherwise end something fun. Remember it is critical to succeed with every training session. Stay close, make certain that there are no distractions and proceed slowly. Over time, the dog should be very slowly taught to come from progressively farther distances and in environments with a greater number of distractions. (If you are increasing the distance, do not increase the distractions. If you are increasing the distractions, do not increase the distance.) If there is any chance that the dog might escape or run off, have the dog wear a long leash (which can be left dangling as the dog wanders and investigates). If the dog does not immediately obey the ‘come’ command, at least you have the end of the leash to guarantee his safety. Do not use the leash to pull the dog to you. If he doesn’t come when called, you have tried to progress too quickly. Perhaps the environment is too stimulating. Perhaps the distance is too much. Perhaps that special treat isn’t special enough. Try again another day after going back and reviewing the gradual steps of this training exercise. Even if you feel your dog really “gets” this command, you must still practice it occasionally. Only give the command when you know your dog will respond to it. Make sure the dog has successfully linked hearing the command with getting that special treat. Remember, it doesn’t matter if he’s “coming when called” or “coming to get that treat”. He is still coming to you! One last word of advice. If you are using this command to bring your dog in from the dog park, or from a great play session, be sure to call him to you (and reward him with that great treat!) at least once or twice before you really pack up and go. If the only time your dog hears the fail safe come command is when you are getting ready to stop his fun, he’ll quit obeying it. (And don’t forget dogs can count-if you always leave on the third call, he’ll quit coming to you on the third call!) (Adapted from Gary Landsberg, DVM)