My 7 month puppy Ned is getting really good at sitting and waiting but I just can't seem to make him come when called. I have tried a few things including keeping him on his lead and encouraging him towards me and given him lots of praise when he gets there. Sometimes hes great but sometimes especially when he is distracted in the park he just doesn't listen. For instance in the park the other day and he went running off to say hi to an ususpecting canoodling couple I called out for him, he stopped stared at me for a second then ran to them leaped on top of them (much to the disappointment of the man) and then ran back to me. It seems he wants to listen but can't quite get it right. Any ideas or am I expecting too much too soon?

You've got to be offering him something *much* more interesting that those other distractions - try saving a favourite toy only for walks, and establishing a really good recall at meal times in the house and around the garden before expecting him to be brilliant outdoors as well....

Thanks will give that a go....

Digger is right. Ned will get there hes just so curious about the world and keen to explore evrything by bedtime!Ive tried using a long line, running past the dog calling excitedly, rustling paper bags , lying on the ground, examing grass with excited cries of " SEE this?", having a petname for treats " YUMMYS!", rattling stones in a can and a whistle to redirect attention and I change the strategy every so often for use in case of disaster .

You're right I think coppulating couples was just a bit too much for him! Right walkies time beckons....