Try googling "Nothing In Life Is Free". This is a very effective, basic way to get dogs to listen to you. Basically, he has to perform a command to get anything he wants from you - food, walks, etc.
For instance, every time I go to the park, I make Thor Sit and Stay before I take off his lead. He's motivated to listen, because he wants to be free!
I don't know if your dog knows any commands yet. If he doesn't, try just getting him to answer to his name. If you say his name and he looks at you, praise him and give him a treat.
Is he food motivated? Do you use training treats? If he is, hold a treat in your hand and say his name in an excited, friendly voice. If he approaches you, praise him and give him the treat. Do this consistently, and he will come running to you for more deliciousness. You can try backing away from him to get him to approach. If you are going to give him a bath or something, just go get him, so he associates you calling to him as 100% positive.
Also... it is possible that he's not that bright.
Sometimes I'll give Thor a command he's done a hundred times, and he's just DYING to get the treat, and he still has trouble performing the command. He's my little dummy, and I love him.