Ready to get to training steps? Skip below by clicking here! This article covers everything from the basics of teaching your dog to come to you, to understanding why they might not be responding. Whether it’s a stubborn puppy or an old dog showing new tricks by not coming when called, we’ll guide you through making “come” a command they can’t ignore. Keep reading!

How to Teach a Dog to Come

Teaching your dog to come when called is a fundamental aspect of obedience training that enhances safety and strengthens your bond. This command is crucial in many situations, from daily interactions to preventing potentially dangerous scenarios. Success in teaching this command depends on consistency, patience, and the use of positive reinforcement to make the process rewarding for your dog.

My Dog Won’t Come To Me, Are They Ignoring Me?

If your dog won’t come to you, it’s not necessarily because they’re ignoring you. Dogs may fail to respond for various reasons, including distractions, confusion about the command, or insufficient training. Understanding this behavior is the first step in addressing it.

Ensuring your training sessions are clear, consistent, and positive can help overcome this challenge.

Dog Not Coming When Called Anymore

A dog not coming when called anymore could indicate a regression in their training or a response to a negative association with the command. It’s important to take note of any changes in the environment, your dog’s health, or your training methods that might have led to this behavior.

Re-establishing a positive association with the command and practicing in a distraction-free environment can help restore their responsiveness.

How to Train Your Dog to Come When Called

Training a strong recall is one of the most important commands for safety and everyday life. Here’s how to build it step by step:

1. Start in a quiet, enclosed area where your dog feels safe and is unlikely to be distracted. Wait until they’re a short distance away and say your chosen recall word, like “come” or “here,” in a happy, enthusiastic tone.
2. As they begin to move toward you, crouch slightly and open your arms to appear more inviting. The moment they reach you, reward them with high-value treats, verbal praise, or a favorite toy (whatever motivates them most).
3. Keep sessions short and positive. Practice multiple times a day, gradually increasing distance and introducing low-level distractions like other people or mild noises.
4. Once your dog is doing well in familiar environments, begin practicing in new places like your yard, a quiet park, or during walks on a long lead. Keep reinforcing every successful recall.
5. Most importantly, never punish your dog for coming even if they took their time or were distracted first. Coming to you should always feel rewarding and safe, or they’ll avoid doing it in the future.

Reinforcing these steps with consistency and patience will help your dog learn to reliably come when called, enhancing your communication and ensuring their safety in various environments.

It’s important to remember, however, that any underlying behavioral issues (overexcitement, dominance, etc.) will still be present.

And until you address those directly, you’ll continue to see problems in other areas.

“Well, how do I do that then?”

You address your dog’s issues at their root by developing their intelligence, that’s how! When they’re truly given the mental stimulation they need — in a loving, fun, instructional way — all their behavioral problems will quickly become a thing of the past.

To make this happen, you’ll play 21 “brain” games with your dog all developed by Adrienne, a CPDT-KA certified dog trainer whose work has been featured in USA Today and Every Dog magazine. See her incredible results in this video with a dog named Maggie (scroll down).

Adrienne’s training games will end all your dog’s bad behavior while also teaching them to sit, lie down, stay, heel, drop, and walk by your side. It’s all very simple and will be an absolute blast for you both. She explains how her system works here, go take a look!

Why Won’t My Dog Come To Me?

Your dog won’t come to you because of a variety of reasons, ranging from distractions and lack of training to negative associations with the command. Understanding the root cause of this behavior is essential for addressing it effectively. Dogs communicate and learn through their experiences, and their response to the recall command is influenced by how they perceive its outcome based on past training and interactions.

Why Does My Dog Not Come When Called?

Your dog doesn’t come when called because of distractions in their environment, insufficient training, or confusion about what is expected. A dog’s attention can easily be diverted by more interesting sights, smells, or sounds, particularly if the recall command hasn’t been reinforced in different settings or with varying levels of distraction.

Additionally, if coming to you has ever resulted in a negative experience, such as punishment, your dog may have developed a reluctance to respond. Learn how to overcome these things and get your dog to come when called by going back to the first section now.

Puppy Doesn’t Come When Called

Puppies may not come when called due to a lack of understanding of the command or insufficient bonding with you. Early stages of training are crucial, and consistent, positive reinforcement is needed to teach puppies the desired behavior.

Ensuring that the recall command is associated with positive outcomes, such as treats or praise, can encourage your puppy to respond more reliably.

Why Doesn’t My Old Dog Come When I Call?

Your old dog doesn’t come when you call possibly due to hearing loss, decreased mobility, or cognitive changes associated with aging. Senior dogs may struggle with commands they previously understood well due to physical or cognitive decline.

It’s important to approach this situation with patience and understanding, adapting your expectations and training methods to accommodate your dog’s changing needs.

Teaching a Dog to Come FAQs

How long does it usually take to teach a dog to come?

Training a reliable recall can take a few weeks to a few months depending on your dog’s age, temperament, and previous experience with commands. Puppies may learn faster in controlled environments, while older dogs with negative associations or ingrained habits may need more time. Consistent practice and positive reinforcement are the keys to success.

Should I use a long lead or retractable leash during recall training?

A long lead is a great tool for practicing recall in open spaces while maintaining safety and control. It allows your dog some freedom to move while still giving you the ability to guide them back if needed. Avoid retractable leashes, as they don’t offer the same consistency or control, and can actually encourage pulling behavior.

What if my dog runs away from me instead of coming?

If your dog bolts when you call them, it could mean they associate you with something negative, like ending playtime or getting scolded. Rebuild the recall with fun, rewarding sessions that make coming to you the best option they have. Always reward them, even if they were slow or got distracted on the way back.

Can I use a clicker when teaching recall?

Yes, clickers can be a great addition to recall training. Clicking at the exact moment your dog makes the choice to come helps them associate that action with a reward. Just make sure the click is followed immediately by a treat, praise, or other reinforcement so they stay motivated.

Is it too late to teach recall to an older dog?

It’s never too late to start recall training, even with senior dogs. Just be aware of any physical or cognitive limitations they may have. Older dogs may respond better to visual cues or closer distances at first, but with time and patience, they can learn just as well as younger pups.

Conclusion

A dog’s failure to respond to the recall command can stem from a range of issues, from simple distractions to more complex behavioral or health-related challenges. By identifying the underlying cause and applying patient, consistent training techniques, you can improve your dog’s response and strengthen your bond.

Remember to always use positive reinforcement and consider the specific needs of your dog based on their age, health, and previous experiences.

I’m sure you’re ready to get going now that you have all of your questions about training your dog to come when called answered, so I’ll let you begin. Best wishes, and thanks for reading this article on how to teach your dog to come when called. Don’t forget to pin this before you go!