Dog Training - The Come Command
Although at times it seems it, dogs aren't really stubborn. The problems lies in the fact they often don't know what's wanted. So be willing to exercise patience and modest, firm force to get the desired behaviour as you'll need it when training your dog to 'come'.
Dogs naturally want to explore the environment. They love to sniff everything, turn things over, dig and investigate anything that move. As with any training session, it's best to minimize distractions by arranging to be as alone and far from other voices as possible. A garden with a clear area or a large uncluttered room is best.
Take advantage of spontaneous behaviour and try and wait until the dog is heading towards you and then execute a voice-command/hand gesture that's unique for this 'come' behaviour. Try to select a hand-gesture and word that you wouldn't normally use except during training.
For more formal training start by facing the dog, putting it in a sit. Execute the 'stay!' command, then back away a step or two. Issue the 'come' hand-gesture and voice command. Praise lavishly for the correct behaviour, but don't reward 'partial' or failed attempts.
Repeat, stepping further away. If the the dog decides to come too soon, put it in a sit/stay and try again. If the dog won't come at all, encourage with a treat or favorite toy. Bending forward slightly when giving the dog the command can encourage him to come to you.
For the slow learners or the, well let's not say stubborn but just reluctant, leash and collar training can be a useful. Put the dog in a sit/stay position and then back off a few feet reeling out the slack leash. If the dog simply looks at you when you tell him to 'come' , give a gentle but firm tug while executing the voice command and hand gesture.
If you dog comes a little to readily, get a long leash and a partner. The partner should stand behind the dog. As the dog sets off too early the partner should give the leash a tug and you should execute a 'stay' command.The downside to this method is the dog can easily become distracted by the person standing behind them.
As with any dog training, patience and consistency are essential. Dogs may not fully understand the usefulness of 'come' or any other human-induced behaviour. Speaking harshly when the dog gets things wrong or starts playing up is usually counter-productive. Establish alpha status by firmness of voice, body posture and willingness to wait for compliance.
Most dogs quickly prove themselves very eager to please and responsive to praise. The come command is important if you don't want to spend your life standing in a park ineffectually yelling at your dog who just won't come, so take care that you and your dog learn it thoroughly.