In competition this is called the "recall" but all of us want our dog to come when we call them, especially when there is a threat of danger.
This is one of the most difficult things to teach a dog, especially if you are training one of those breeds that like to wander.
Some dogs will get so focused on a scent, they seem to be completely deaf to your calling them.
Even so, there are trainers out there who can get their dogs to come every time with a simple hand signal, so it must be possible.
As with all good things, it takes practice.
Begin teaching your dog to come during a heeling exercise.
While heeling along with your dog, do the following three things simultaneously: say "come" in a commanding, but inviting voice; take several quick steps backward; give a sharp tug on the lead toward you.
Your dog will noticed that you've disappeared from your position on its right ear and it will turn around to find you.
When it does this, begin to use the leash to reel in your dog.
At the same time, praise the heck out of the dog.
Act like you've never been so excited to see anything as you are by the sight of your dog approaching.
When your dog gets close enough that you can grab its collar, do so and gently pull your dog into position, which is sitting right in front of you.
You'll want to train your dog to sit in front of you when it comes.
(As opposed to jumping on you or running right past you and jumping on the couch.
) Once you get the dog seated, praise it some more and then give it the release command.
You'll have to practice this method of recall for weeks and weeks before you are ready to do anything off lead.
If you rush to practice off lead, and you call your dog from afar, and your dog doesn't come, and it is not immediately corrected using the high collar, your dog will learn that it doesn't have to come immediately when called.
You don't want your dog to have this epiphany.
You want it to think, "No questions asked.
I've been called.
Time to go sit in front of my master.
" When you are ready to practice off lead, and please, don't rush this, start with small distances, and the leash still attached to the dog's collar, so that if the dog doesn't comply, you can still correct it quickly.
Remember, praising the dog is the most important part of training the dog.