Leo, just turn a year old this weekend. He still won't "come" if called, especially if he is outside. But, if I say
'lets get a treat'...he comes running!
We went though a phase, where every time someone opened the door he would dart out. We finally decided we had to do something about it!!
This I what I did:
I first taught Leo to 'come' by saying "do you want a treat". Once he learned what that meant and he did it without fail. I took him out to the back yard were it is fenced in, after a few minutes I would say "do you want a treat" and he would come in for his special treat.
At 7 months, I started working with him in the front yard. I carried him out just past the door and set him down (facing the house), then I would call him as I walked into the house...praying the whole time that he would follow me and not run.
It worked! He came into the house and I gave him a treat. Everyday I added a few more feet. Now we can trust him to be in the driveway and along the very front of the house. He loves to follow me, as I bring in the groceries from the car!
**You have to make sure that your treat for "come" is very special. For Leo, I use cheese or chicken (if I have it). It is also very important to never yell or chase him if he gets loose. If you do he will think you are playing!
Hope this helps.