Too many dogs are hit and killed by cars each year.

An emergency recall command is only used to tell your dog to come in emergency situations. A dog that knows the "come" command will come most of the time, but not always. There are times when it is dangerous for him to ignore you, especially when he bolts when he sees another animal or person he wants to get at and could possibly get hit.

However, if there is a special word the dog associates with absolute pleasure, and it isn't one he hears very often, he will come back immediately.

Choose a word to use for the command. The word should be something unique that doesn't normally come up in conversation. Something like "Rolls-Royce" or "Honolulu" can work or you can choose something else that's easy for you to remember.

The idea is that when your dog hears you call out the special word, he will immediately drop whatever he is doing, no matter what the distraction, and come back to you because the most wonderful and delicious food will be waiting for him.

To start this association, use some special treats such as leftovers from a roast, lunch meat, pieces of hotdogs, cheese, or anything else of high value your dog doesn't normally get.

Spend a couple of minutes just repeating the word as you give him the treat repeatedly for about 15 seconds. He should feel like he hit the jackpot. Do that a few times a day for a week or two. Remember, this is the only time he gets that special treat. For other training, use a different treat.

Once your dog comes running every time you give the command, you can practice adding a little more distance and distraction. You can do this alone or with another person. Eventually, your dog should learn to come in any and every situation. This should be used for true emergencies only and not for when you're running late for work and your dog doesn't want to come back inside.

More importantly, never, ever yell at him when he comes back, even if he did just chase a cat up a tree. He has to know, unequivocally, when he hears that word, nothing but the best treats and praise are waiting for him.

Be patient. He will not be perfect at first, but he will make the connection eventually.

You'll want to make sure this command is also not overused. Once you're sure he knows this, use it occasionally, but don't abandon it. You need to use it from time to time to keep it fresh in his mind.

This training should be a positive experience for both of you. If you're serious about your dog's safety, you need to train him to an emergency recall. Knowing your dog will come without hesitation will give you peace of mind.

Leslie Gallagher of St. Charles is owner of K9Z Etc., a pet care and dog training business. She writes a monthly column sharing training tips and other information about dogs.