Why won't he come anymore?

Hi everyone! It's me again with another problem. It's NiNi, he used to come whenever we call him but lately when we call him, all he'll do is look at us and either just stand there or lay down. He won't come to us for anything except when we give him a treat. I don't understand it, he had been coming to us since we got him but now, nothing. What could be wrong?
Linda/NiNi

• Have you been scolding your dog using it's name such as NInI NO or NINI Bad dog etc. I saw a program on PBS that talked about using the dogs name with negatives so that the dog learns negative associations with its name, therefore it won't come because it's afraid. Just a thought I wanted to pass along. If that's the case, you should probably start reinforcing the positive NINI come and find other ways to tell her no.
  Judy

• Well alot could depend on the way you tell a dog to 'come.' If you are calling the dog and then scolding it or even just catching it to give it a bath this could be your problem. The command "come" must always be happy, given lots of praise, or rewards of food treats. It has to be a positive experience always for the dog. Right now your dog is either testing you or you have been using this command wrong. If it is your fault start correcting it if the dog is starting to get lazy, practice this command alot.

  Depending on the age of your dog alot could be due to the "rebelious" stages a growing dog goes through. They will listen only 1/2 the time, start destructive behaviors if not corrected, and really try your patience at times. If you have not started obedience classes do so now, if you have then brush up on all the commands. If this dog is not corrected when you give the "come" command then you can be most certain that he will not listen to others. By "correction" I mean have a leash & collar on. When you give the command and he does not respond, gently tug the leash and praise him as you reel him to you. Give a food treat if needed. Practice the command with and without food. Dogs are smart and if you always use food and do not have any on you they will not respond. (This could be your problem also) Use other rewards like playing, going for a car ride, etc.
  PUG