Then make it fun, sometimes delicious, and NEVER followed by something negative. For example, sometimes call your dog (always in a high excited tone of voice ... never a marine sergeant tone) and, when he comes, throw him a ball or toy. Occasionally, reward him for coming with a treat. Always praise him with a warm "good come" and pet or massage his favorite spot (my dogs love the base of their tail massaged).
Equally important, in fact, essential, NEVER call your dog and then do anything that punishes him for coming. Never call him and then 1) put him in the back yard for the day, 2) put him in his crate, 3) yell at him for some crime he did minutes or hours before, 4) cut his toenails, 5) give him a bath (if he hates one), 6) ____________ (you fill in the blank with something your dog hates). If you have to have the dog do something he dislikes, go to him with a leash, attach it and, in a happy tone of voice, say "let's go cut your nails, you're going to love this." See if you can entice or divert him with a treat or favorite toy. You get more with honey than with vinegar. Think about it ... if I called you to come to me and, each time you came, I slapped you, would you keep coming?
Have a good month. Woofs & wags from Ryan and me, Carole.
Do you have a question for Carole? You can reach her at the email address listed on her resume. Perhaps she will use it in an upcoming article on this Web site.