Regardless of what they are doing, it is important that your puppy stop and come to you upon the command “(dog’s name) come”. There are two ways to do this:

The first method requires two people. One person should be playing with the puppy. The second person should stand a fair distance away and in a loud clear voice give the command “(dog’s name) come”. Have a treat in hand. If the dog comes to the second person reward them with the treat and praise. At this point the first person will give the same command and offer a treat and praise reward for the dog. Continue this for a couple of minutes offering a reward each time they do as commanded. Do this technique every once in a while to reinforce the command. Once they have it down, you can slowly phase out the treat and substitute with praise.

The second method can be done alone with the dog. Let your dog be outside off leash (in a safe enclosed environment like the back yard). While they are busy playing, sniffing or whatever activity they enjoy pull a treat out and give the command “(dog’s name) come”. Give them the treat and praise as a reward for doing as told. Allow the puppy to go back to playing. After a few minutes give the command again and offer a reward. Continue this practice every day until your dog comes when called. Slowly phase out the treats and substitute praise as the reward.

It is important to introduce more distractions and stimulation when teaching “come”. Each time they show mastery of the command, give them more distractions and try again. You want your dog to be able to stop anything they are doing and return to you immediately upon hearing that command.