This is an easy lesson that doesn't require an expensive dog trainer or even pet store "obedience training classes". Most dogs, even older dogs, respond to this method quickly and easily and will come to you immediately every time you call.

The first thing to know about dogs is that they really want to please us. It's why just simple praise is often reward enough for them. But, if your dog is ignoring your commands, it may not appear that way. There's nothing wrong with the dog. He isn't responding because he either doesn't understand your commands or your method of teaching him has backfired. Both are common problems. What you're telling him and what's he's hearing may be two very different things.

Your dog coming to you immediately when you call is very important. His safety could depend on it particularly if he's a "door darter", one who races out every time the door is opened. The problem is not the dog if he isn't coming to you when you call, it's you. How have you been giving that command? Do you only call him to you when he's in trouble and you intend to punish him? If so, you've trained him that if he comes to you when you call, something bad is going to happen to him. He will not be motivated at all to obey you. Understandable.

It isn't work to teach your dog to come to you, it is literally play and well worth a few minutes out of your days to teach your dog to "come" immediately every time. It's fun and great for bonding and relationship building. In fact, it's the fun that makes it work. The more fun you have, the more fun your dog will have and that's how you get good results.

Begin with getting some small bite-sized treats that your dog loves. Several times a day, no matter what you're doing, even just hanging out in front of the TV or at your computer, tell your dog to "come", using his name as well, with a happy voice. It's best to do this when your dog is in the room with you so he can see and smell the treat. Food is a great motivator! When he comes to you, which he surely will for the treat, give it to him and praise him. Don't give him more than one since the idea is not teaching him to beg!

Another time, without the treat, tell him to "come" and just pet and praise him telling him what a good boy he is. Later, praise him and play with him for a few minutes with his favorite toy. Do all of these things frequently every day, rotating the rewards, to show him that "come" means that something good is going to happen. Get excited about his obeying you and he will be excited to obey. He will want to!

Rescue dogs or older dogs who have never been taught well or worse, have suffered abuse, may take a little longer to convince but don't give up! This approach will work if you commit to it.

It does sound easy, doesn't it? That's because it is. It's really the only key to training your dog to come to instantly, every single time.