We have a problem with our 8 month old lab mix. It seems that she loves to run. In the house she will listen to every command we give and is a perfect angel most of the time. When she is outside and leashed, she also listens quite well and has now even stopped pulling when we walk. However, if she is let off of her leash or escapes out the back door (we don't have fences for another couple of months) she runs away. She stays within the neighbourhood and always knows her way back home, but as soon as we come close, she thinks we're playing and runs away. This is the case if she even hears us at all. Sometimes she just tunes out. Personally, I would let her run free, but I am afraid of her getting hit by a car or approaching someone who is afraid of animals (she would never bite, but she is big and it wouldn't be fair to let her run free). What suggestions do you have to train her to return when called? I have tried carrying treats and rewarding her when she looks at me when called, and continuously talk to her when leashed, asking her to come, and look at me. Nothing seems to work as soon as her leash comes off. Help!

An 8 month old puppy ? - off leash ? - please NO !! An 8-month-old pup is way too young to be expected to (1) not run away and into a moving car or (2) to come back when called.

The key to teaching and training the COME command is to ALWAYS MAKE IT WORK. Whenever you say "Come" to the dog - you must ensure the dog comes back to you. Use a leash - it can be a 6 foot one, or a 16 foot one, or a 600 foot one (I'm exaggerating a bit for effect) - to physically ensure the dog HAS to obey you. Another thing to keep in mind while instilling an effective COME command is the "fun factor". Use treats, toys, and praise each and every time your dog obeys the COME command. Never discipline, punish, or correct you're your dog AFTER it has returned to you - no way, no how, never.

Practice the COME command perfectly a few million times (I'm serious) and you should be able to get your pooch back during an emergency.

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