Originally posted by KatieDog

Another thing we do to practice is to play hide-and-seek in the house. I make her stay, I go hide, and then I yell "find me." It's not practicing "here," exactly, but I think it does reinforce the idea that the fun is wherever I am.
That's a great idea. I never thought of that, but it sounds like fun for both me and my dogs! Welcome to Pet Talk by the way! I haven't been on line much lately, so I may have missed your introduction.

I also think you have to start in small steps. Have him come to you when you are just a couple of feet away. Make sure you have a great treat in your hand. A piece of hotdog or a piece of liver, etc. and when he comes treat and praise - praise - praise. I have also found with Leo and Penny, that they respond better when I am crouching down and have my arms wide - kind of like you do when you have a baby first learning to walk. I think it is more positive in their mind.

Gradually increase the distance, but make sure he is very good at the two foot distance before you do three feet, then four feet, then six feet and so on. Once he gets good at the "come" command or the "here" command, gradually reduce the number of times you use treats, but always follow up with the praise and the pets. Those should never go away.

It is definitely one of the hardest commands to train, but with time and patience, it will be well worth it.