[yorkietalkjilly]

Tibbe is now 5 and would go through times of not coming right away when called from the back yard so I started giving him a very high-value treat for a while every time he would come running. Even in the house when I called him from another room. Usually gave him some type of beef jerky or turkey hot dog bite - something he would turn flips to get anytime. Did it every single time he came running. If he ever stopped to look at a squirrel or sniff, hesitate in any way, no treat. Soon he learned that zipping right to me got him his big reward and of course, a big praise. Once he was routinely coming fast, I began treating every other time but always praising him enthusiastically each time. After a while longer, changed his treat to just a piece of his kibble but by now, it was habit with him to come running when called. I'ts been about 1 1/2 years that he's come running like clockwork when called, outside or in the house. I usually still mostly give him a kibble treat when he comes in from outside - it's a little extra "trouble" maybe but it keeps him on his toes and coming every single time & I enjoy how he enjoys this little reward & praise session for being good. He comes in with his ears and tail up, all alert & ready for his "paycheck" and smile, encouraging words. And gives me a little extra chance to pamper him day and night.