Not comming everytime when called

Question
Hi Diane, I have a female (spayed) almost 1-1/2 year old boxer, who is my first dog as an adult.  I got her from a breeder at 7-weeks old and she is the best behaved (in most cases) in the house (out of my four children).  My main concern is that she, over the past 4-months has decided not to come (every time) when called. She has been to early puppy training and the next class after early puppy training. I do take her on walks, but I admit, only 1-2x/week. I am home with her every day and she behaves very well and with manners for me, as far as sit/stay when fed, wait for the ok to eat.  When I need her to come in from our medium sized, fenced yard, I have tried shaking a box of treats, which sometimes works, but not everytime. Also, there is alot of traffic in/out the front door.  I make her sit stay before I open it, but my younger children do not and she bolts, runs like a race dog across the street, which of course, is dangerous even though we live on a cul-de-sac. I go out front, with leash in hand, box of treats, and/or squeaky toy I keep hidden for these occasions.  It can take 5 minutes or 20 minutes to round her up.  When I get her and leash her, I never scold her, just bring her back into the house.  Looking for suggestions on how to break her bad habit of not listening.

Answer
Hi Michelle
Sounds to me like you already know what the problem is  here. She needs more exercise. Take her for walks twice a day every day. I know it's hard but it's necessary. Boxers are very athletic dogs and need a focus for that energy. If it's possible RUN her until her tongue hangs out at least a couple times a week. A treadmill is a wonderful thing. Or if she fetches play fetch with her until she is just exausted. EVERY time she comes to you whether it is voluntary without you calling her or when you call her. Reward her immediately. Do not allow her to make you chase her all over the yard. If you can do it, when she runs from you, just walk away. Call her once, if she doesn't come, walk away. Make sure she doesn't have food or water in the yard so that she has to come to you eventually. You chasing her can easily become a game. The escaping out the door thing is a very dangerous issue. You're going to have to gain control of your children and either make sure they require her to sit and stay before opening the door. Or stop them from opening it. Having a 24 year old, a 20 year old, a 14 year old and a two year old, I can RELATE LOL. It's a lot of trouble but if you have to lock that door in order to force them to get you to come and open it for them, it is better than losing your dog to an accident in the street.
And again, you MUST find an outlet for her energy, you could put her in a more advanced obedience class too. I'm sure in the end you would both love it!
Diane