Getting your dog to come to you reliably takes a little work. When you have a young puppy it's easy. The young pup will naturally come and stay nearby. As he grows he will begin to explore the world and find new and exciting things to investigate. You must be more exciting than his surroundings.

Be consistent in how you call your dog. Don't use only his name – he hears that all too often. If you have more than one dog you may want to use his name immediately followed by the word come. His name should not be used to gain his attention, quickly say his name followed with "come" – "Fido come!"

Start by working with your dog indoors where you can control the distractions. Don't call him, but do something to entice him to come to you – squeak a toy, get down on his level, in a high-pitched tone of voice say "pup, pup, pup." As he is coming to you, call him, after he reaches you reward him with a variety of, praise, petting, toys and treats. Mix it up, but don't show him his reward until he has earned it by coming to you.

When you move outside – you will have to be more animated to get your dogs attention. Dogs love to chase things. So get your dogs attention and then run away from him, enticing him in a game of chase allowing him to catch you. Praise and reward him when he does. Always allow a dog time to run and play a little before calling him and ending his freedom. Keep your training sessions short and fun.

Never call your dog when you need to do something he considers unpleasant such as bath time or trimming nails. If it's unpleasant to the dog, go get him. The word "come" is reserved for good things and times and no matter what your dog has done you must, at least stay neutral when he gets to you.

If your dog runs off and it takes you time to get him to come to you, never punish him. As frustrated as you may be, if you scold him when he returns, he will be even more hesitant to return to you the next time. Why? He'll see you as sometime dangerous, after all, sometimes when you call him you're angry.

Some dogs are great about coming, but quickly take off again when they see the leash, they know it means their freedom is over. So practice the cue "come" while you holding the leash in sight, but do not attach it to him. Instead when he comes to you, touch his collar and tell him "go play!" The reward for coming is continued playtime and this teaches the dog you're not always going to end his fun.

To have a dog come when called reliably takes a little work and a lot of patience, but is essential for your dog to know. It will save you stress and worry and may save the life of your dog.

Tip of the week: Begin working with as few distractions as possible and gradually increase distractions as your dog's recall strengthens. If working in an unfenced area have your dog attached to a long line for safety.

Bark questions to: Canine Companion, 11652 North – 825 West, Huntington, IN 46750 or e-mail info@caninecompanion.us.

Canine Companion conducts dog training classes in Fort Wayne, Huntington and surrounding communities and behavior consulting nationwide. Along with their combined 30 years experience and endorsement by national organizations, the trainers are all graduates of Purdue University's DOGS! Program and have earned the title of Certified Pet Dog Trainer through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.