Quote:
Originally Posted by Dougal&Little  Try playing a "recall" game. Just anytime when he's off doing his own thing call his name and be the most exciting thing in the room. Wave a toy, talk in a high pitched voice. If he comes praise praise praise with your voice, pat him, play a quick game of tug of war with a toy. Then walk away - taking he toy with you if you've played with it. Try doing that often. Don't expect perfection - he'll be a proper little sod til he's two probably. If he doesn't come after you've called his name once or twice - walk off. Don't keep calling his name because then he learns that he doesn't have to listen until you've called half a dozen times. |
Good advice!
Also, I think you need to separate responding to a "come" command from being petted or picked up.
For now, "come" is just coming to you. Reward that with a treat or a game, which ever you choose. You can very gradually add getting hold of his collar/harness as part of the criteria for being rewarded for a come - you don't want a dog who runs up, gets his treat, and then zooms off again. BUT, being petted or picked up are different. You should teach/reward those separately.