Wondering how to teach a dog to come when called, especially if it feels like they’re ignoring you? It’s a vital command for their safety and your peace of mind.

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 Train Dog to Come When Called

Training your dog to come when called involves several key steps:

1. Start in a quiet, enclosed space to minimize distractions.
2. Use a consistent command, such as “come” or “here,” and say it in a clear, upbeat tone.
3. Encourage your dog to come to you by using positive reinforcements like treats, praise, or toys.
4. Gradually increase the difficulty by practicing in different locations and with mild distractions.
5. Never punish your dog for coming to you, even if it takes them a while to respond.

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.) that may have been contributing to all of this will still be present. And until you address those, any positive changes you see will only be temporary.

“Well, how do I make these changes last?”

By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.

The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like your dog not coming when called and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.

In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog ignoring your commands ever again!

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.

In 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 thank you for reading our article “How to Teach a Dog to Come! (+Why Won’t My Dog Come To Me?)”.